Your Hometown News Source
Your Hometown News Source
The East Washingtonian continues its annual look back at the year just completed, 2021, in this second installment of the Year In Review. Our hope to our readers is that these short snippets of events from last year bring back fond memories.
Charlotte Baker
Editor and Publisher
July 22) The Pomeroy Ranger District announced closure of all USFS land, roads and trails in the Umatilla National Forest, as well as several Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife units including W.T. Wooten, 4-0 Ranch, Grouse Flats, Asotin Creek and Weatherly units, at a community meeting on July 13.
The lick Creek Fire 71,512-acre wildfire is 40% contained as of Monday July 19, 2021.
The Blue Mountain Artisan Guild has changed the date for the Fun in the Sun/Wonderful Wood Show and grand opening to July 23 at 5-8 p.m. Besides featured artists Doug Roe and Elizabeth Ruchert, one of two quilts made by local quilter will be on display.
Plans to upgrade electrical and HVAC Systems were terminated and adequate cash-on-hand reserves will fend off any need for a 2021 Levy, Hospital commissioners decided.
Garfield County engineer Grant Morgan presented the Six-year-plan amendment 2021-27 to reallocate $100,000 that was not used on the Bell Plain Road guardrail project, a plan to fix specific paved county roads.
29) The Garfield County Board of Commissioners discussed proceedings with County Prosecutor Matt Newberg to join multi-county lawsuit against a Washington State police reform statute at their meeting on July 26.
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 Allice Gwinn, and a 1992 Pomeroy High School graduate.
Port of Garfield County awarded grant to extend fiber internet to Pataha. The grant is for $324,000 with an $89,000 match from the Port.
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.
Lick Creek Fire In mop-up; 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 involved 80,392 acres.
Columbia Pulp CEO John Begley will retire 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.
Maria Dispenza’s music students performed a Spring Recital at the Pataha Flour Mill on May 16, their first recital since shutdown began in March of 2020.
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 Blue Mountain Artisan Guild unveiled the new addition to the gallery and works of featured artists during its Fun in the Sun/Wonderful Woods show and grand opening on July 23 where over visitors came to in the wonder works of local and area artists.
12) Palace Meats and Deli will 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 for business on July 13, 2020 amidst the COVID pandemic.
The Garfield County Hospital District board of directors heard discussion on a policy to require staff to receive Covid-19 vaccination.
The Port of Garfield Commissioners announced at the 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 Port is fighting this tax.
The first day of the 2020-21 school year begins Monday, August 30. New Student and Pre-Registration Elementary students new to the Pomeroy School District may pre-register at the Elementary School office, located at 121 10th St. starting August 17.
Garfield County’s National Night Out event was held at the Pomeroy City Park on August 3, to familiarize the community with its law enforcement personnel, County Fire District and officers from the Washington State Patrol.
The local dance group performed at the Seeley Theater, Alyssa’s Dance Studio debuted 64 dancers, ranging in age from three to 18 years, who performed ballet, jazz and tap routines for an eager and awaiting audience.
(ed.32, pg.4, 8-12-2021)
19) Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, State Representative Joe Schmick, USFS Umatilla National Forest Supervisor Eric Watrud, GCFD Fire Chief James Cleveland, USFS District Ranger Susan Piper, Garfield County Commissioner Larry Ledgerwood, and State Representative Mary Dye met to discuss the current forest fire situation at Pioneer Park on August 10. (ed.33, pg.1, 8-19-2021)
The Eight Annual Swim the Snake open-water, non-competitive swim was held at Lake Bryan, between Lyons Ferry State Park and Lyons Ferry Marina and KOA, Saturday August 14, 2021. People from around the state made up the 30 participants the youngest being 16-year-old Dimitry Truesdale of Spokane Valley, WA. (ed. 33, pg.1 & 6, 8-19-2021)
Pirate Ponies Equestrian Centre, operated by Tracy Burnstad and Lauren Setzer, is the newest local business to open recently, offering riding lessons for all ages. (ed.33, pg.1, 8=19-2021)
The Garfield County Transportation Authority board discussed plans for a building remodel for their facility on Main Street.
The Garfield County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) agreed to allow the side-by-side obstacle course at the Garfield County Fair at their meeting on August 16.
26) The Garfield County Health District announced mandatory testing for unvaccinated Pirate basketball players at meeting on August 23.
A Notion Telecommunications and Information Administration grant that the Port applied for to bring the fiber out into Garfield County was not granted, but the commissioners’ are applying for a Public Works grant to carry out the same work.
Sketchbook Project spurs creativity for artist Mary Cook. “The Sketchbook Project” online which is “an independent company that organizes collaborative art projects and tours” and exhibits the efforts of artists—famous or unknown-from around the world via the Brooklyn Art Library. (ed.34, pg.1, 8-26-2021)
Concerned parents and grandparents of local children attended an Unmask Pomeroy Kids meeting at the City Park, August18. The concern was about Washington State mandates that require children to wear masks in schools. (ed.34, pg.1, 8-26-21)
The Garfield County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) announced expected raised medical insurance rates at their meeting on August 23. Permera, Washington Counties Insurance Fund vendor who is proving medical, life, vision, and dental insurance for Garfield County, will be increasing its medical rates dramatically by an estimated 54% increase.
SEPTEMBER
2) Ladies’’ Night Out was held at the Church of the Nazarene on August 20. Alia Scoggin, gathered 45 women and girls in the fellowship hall to listen to Jessica Kellogg preach. (ed. 35, pg.1, 9-2-21)
The Garfield County Pioneer Association met on Tuesday, August 24, to discuss finalizing plans for the upcoming fall bus Tour of the Mayview area scheduled for Saturday, September 25, 2021.
The Garfield County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) approved a Master Street Addressing Guide contract to employ a MSAG operative at a flat payment of $1,526/80 a month at their meeting August 30. The money will be aid through a 911 grant.
The National Suicide PREVENTION Lifeline contact number will change to the “988” dialing system be changing in the near future, according to information provided by Scott Zaval of the Garfield County Sheriff’s Department. Currently, 1-800-273-8255 is the crisis number, and veterans should Press 1 to be connected with the Veterans Crisis Line.
9) The Garfield County Fire District board of commissioners discussed the Washington State Proclamation requiring state workers to be vaccinated against Covid-19 at their meeting on August 10, with a deadline for vaccinating is October 14.
The Pomeroy School District (PSD) board of directors discussed curriculum for the state required comprehensive sexual health program at their meeting on August 31.
Library News, Summer and reading, a winning Combination. The Denny Ashby Library promoted the Tails & Tales Summer Reading Program this summer of which 52 youngsters participated.
The Garfield County drop-off recycling site on 20th St. and Pataha St., next to the Garfield County Road Department yard is temporarily closed. The fend damage due to a mishap by an LCR truck driver which presents a safety issue. (ed. 36, pg.1, 9-9-21)
16) It’s “County Fun in 21” at the Garfield County Fairgrounds this Friday, Saturday and Sunday September 17-19 at 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The public is invited to come experience the return of the Garfield County Fair after a COVID-restricted event last year.
Thee Garfield County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) discussed Washington State Governor Jay Inslee’s mandate at their meeting on September 13. Governor Inslee has mandated that all events with an attendance higher than 500 people require masks to be worn indoors and out.
The Snake River Pistolers held a mounted shooting event at the Garfield County Fairgrounds rodeo arena on September 11. (ed.37, pg.1, 9-16-21)
The Hall of Fame Fair Honoree 2021 Sandy Barr will be recognized at the Chamber of Commerce annual Cowboy Breakfast at Spinner’s Maple Hall on Saturday, September 18 at 6:30-9 a.m. ( ed37, pg.1, 9-16-21)
The Port of Garfield County Commissioners discussed the United States forest Service’s restriction on building entry at their meeting on September 7. Workers entering the Forest Service building must be vaccinated, including Port employees and contractors.
23) The Garfield County Transportation Authority (CTA) made the decision during the September 20 meeting, to design building options for the new bus garage, wash racks and office.
The Garfield County Board of Commissions (BOCC) signed inter-local agreement and Resolution that cemented the insurance change, to the Washington Rural Counties Insurance Risk Pool. They signed an inter-local agreement that sets the contract in writing, and Resolution 2021-16 to adopt the insurance pool’s bylaws.
The 2021 Hall of Fame Honoree, Sandy Barr, was presented a plaque by Suzanne Grove during the Cowboy Breakfast at the Spinners Maple Hall, Saturday, September 18. (ed.38. pg.1, 9-23-21)
The Garfield County Fire District (GCFD) approved a resolution to modify the 2021 budget to include an Assistance to Firefighter Grant for $89,000 at their meeting on September.
Columbia Pulp LLC and Ag Energy Solutions, Inc. have announced an agreement to partner in the processing of wheat straw from the Columbia Pulp facility through the Ag Energy Solutions biomass processing platform.
30) The 2021 Garfield County Fair brought the return of the fall celebration that was met with enthusiasm for the community and out-of-town participants and some much need rain. (ed.39, pg.1, 5, 6, 7, 8; 9-30-21)Garfield County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) signed a commercial lease agreement with the Richardson Family at its meeting on September 27. The agreement continues the arrangement that the county has had with the Richardson Family to use their radio tower for county radio needs.
The Garfield County Health District board of directors hired Daniel Kaminsky, M.D. of Walla Walla as the District health officer. Dr. Kaminsky is a retired OBGYN. The Health District also hired Lewis Neace, D.O. as a back-up health officer.
The Port of Garfield County Commissioners signed a franchise agreement with Garfield County to ensure that any damage caused to property of the county by the Port’s Pataha fiber internet project will be covered by Port insurance.
OCTOBER
7) Local FFA member Kendall Dixon was chosen as a National FFA finalist for her Agri-Science fair project. The FFA Agri-Science fair event recognizes student researchers studying the application of agriculture scientific principles. (ed.40, pg.1, 10-7-21)
The Harold and Helen Shepherd Foundation is now accepting request applications for 2021 grants.
The Garfield County Museum (GCM) has returned to the winter schedule. Fridays at 1-4 p.m.
Washington State Parks has rescheduled its public meeting to share recommendation for long-term recreation and land use for three state parks in southeastern Washington. The originally meeting scheduled for Oct 5, will take place virtually on Tuesday, Oct. 19, with additional two in-person meetings will be held next month in two southeastern Washington towns.
14) Ballots for the November 2 General Election will be in Pomeroy and Garfield County mailboxes this week. Numerous candidates are running unopposed except for Hospital District Commissioner Position 1, which incumbent Chris Herres and Sherry Ledgerwood seeking the post.
COVID positives have hit the Pomeroy Volleyball Team causing cancellation of four matches and some of the team to be in quarantine.
21) Pomeroy assist awarded Shepard Foundation Grant, The Pomeroy Assist Garfield County Humanitarian Association was awarded $3,000 from The Shepard Foundation in order to erect a new shed, help with water bills, and operations for Emergency Housing in Pomeroy.
Non-vaccinated firefighters will not be allowed on Fire District vehicles, Garfield County Fire District Commissioners announced the end date for Covid-19 vaccinations as October 18. Staff that is not exempt or vaccinated will no longer be able to ride on District vehicles.
28) The Seeley has a new front sidewalk; The Seeley Theater received a new entrance sidewalk completed by Knox Concrete some gutter reconstruction is also being worked on. The new sidewalk was possible due to years of fundraising, private donations, and events, plus a grant awarded by the Innovia Foundation.
The Eastern Washington Agricultural Museum acquired new exhibits, continued work on the windmill, and reviewed fair, tour, and future purchases. The new exhibits included a Case 15-27 cross motor Tractor, a wood John Deere drill, a rope making machine, a collection from the Bill Wojciechowski estate, and the possibility of receiving a small freight wagon from the WSU School of Veterinary of Medicine.
4) County Commissioners sign bill increase for City Law Enforcement agreement, the BOCC signed a letter stating a 5.7% increase in law enforcement and Court Service fees for 2022. The increase reflects the rise of cost of living.
The Wall of fame recipients for 2021 are Bryon Walter and Jeff Ruchert. They were awarded for the 2021 Washington State Department of Transpiration Conference on October 12, 2021. Rachel Anderson nominated for them because of their devotion to serving the residence of Garfield County.
11) Pataha fiber design bid accepted. The port of Garfield County Board of commissioners accepted the ZeroDB bid for design work on the Pataha fiber project at their meeting on November 2. The company was the only bidder and the accepted bid was for $30,000 flat fee, with subsequent work not to exceed $10,000. The designing work will begin as soon as possible, to allow the fiber to be ordered soon. There is currently a 52-week waiting period on Fiber orders.
Pomeroy High School’s Lady Pirate Volleyball Team, and the Pirate Football Team are both headed to post-season action. Last weekend, the Lady Pirates fought their way through the consolation bracket to secure a berth at the 1B Volleyball State Tournament, starting today in Yakima. The Pirate Football program has a bye week as other teams play this weekend before all teams dive into the playoffs.
18) The Seventh Place 2021 Pomeroy High School Volleyball Team dropped its first match against Naselle, then won out to bring home another State Volleyball trophy.
The local school held a Veteran’s Day celebration honoring those who have served our country with a Quilt of Valor presentation, Patriotic songs and a slide show of local veterans. Quilts of Valor Foundation member Alice Gwinn and her assistant Gwen Schwimmer and Shantae Cloud awarded seven quilts to local veterans. John Stevens served in the Army from 1945 until 1947, Robert Desjardin served in the Air Force from 1955 until 1963. He served at Parks Air Force Base and Shepard Air Force Base, and 2 years in Japan, Gene Smith served in the Army National Guard and Army Reserves from 1966 until 1976, Dan Burton served in the Army from 1977 until 1997, Lee Cloud served in the Navy from 1994 until 1997, Steve Jackson served in the National Guard from 1985 until 1993, Morgan Maddess served four years in the Army.
25) City approves variance, agreement and more. The Pomeroy City Council granted a variance, authorized inter-local agreement, and $56,370 for pump project. The council authorized use of $56,370 if American Rescue Plan funds for a booster pump station project. The coverage will increase from 40% to 60%.
The Port of Garfield County Board of Commissioners announced the United States Forest Service paused the vaccine requirements on entry into the building at their meeting on November 16. Installation of the new blinds and flooring that had been obstructed by the requirements will be done as soon as possible. The Public Works grant for funds to place fiber internet in northeastern Garfield County has progressed to round 2 applications. The grant is for $3,500,000.
DECEMBER:
2) The Starlight Parade, coordinated by the local Chamber of Commerce and Larry Ledgerwood kicked off the 2021 Christmas Season Saturday, November 27 with floats and county vehicles bedecked with familiar characters and colorful twinkling lights.
Keller Associates receives street lighting project contract; The City Council awarded the contract for Complete Streets Project engineering to Keller Associates at their meeting on November 22. Stillman Norton, project manager for Keller Associates, attended the meeting by phone to answer the council’s questions about the company’s experience with lighting project. The street lighting project is funded by a transportation Improvement Board grant of $180,000. The deadline for use of the funds is March 21, 2022.
9) Pomeroy School District increases 2022 levy amount; The Pomeroy School District board of directors approved Resolution 306 and the hiring of Brock Ledgerwood, reinstatement of Ben Slaybaugh and the resignation of Jan Koller at their meeting on November 30. Resolution 306 increases the levy amount to be collected in 2022 to $843,420.
County Auditors Office to change transaction hours; The Garfield County Commissioners heard changes occurring in the Auditors Office approved resolution 2021-22 and 2021-23 and signed a inter local agreement with Columbia County at their meeting December 6, 2021. County Auditor Mackenzie Lueck announced the Garfield County Auditor’s office will be changing their DOL transaction hours while the office will remain open on their current schedule of 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. no DOL transactions will be processed after 4:30.
16) Rate increases to help water and sewer system revitalization; The City Council approved the 2022 budget during the December 7 meeting which included a $4 monthly rate increase for water and sewer. The resulting City revenue will be used to support necessary improvements to the water and sewer system this action was taken after due consideration of the needs for Pomeroy and a comparison of what other similar municipalities of similar sizes are using.
Port receives 3.8-million-dollar grant for fiber; The Port of Garfield County commissioners announced that they have been awarded a Federal Public Works grant at their meeting on December 7. The grant is for $3,800,000 with no match required from the Port, and will be used for the Northwest Garfield County Fiber project the contract will begin after the first of the year and is anticipated to last into 2023.