Good morning, Walla Walla.

On May 5, Waitsburg officials filled the old community pool near Coppei Avenue with riprap, pit run and crushed gravel as they decommissioned the facility for a future ice rink or skate park.

A preliminary analysis by Ardurra found that a new site north of the old pool is viable (the location is close to downtown and has power and water) and the Parks & Recreation District will soon gather cost estimates and FEMA details.

The Walla Walla Fire Department investigated a suspicious wildfire on Blackberry Trail in the For Walla Walla Natural Area just before 8:30 p.m. on Thursday; firefighters contained the blaze to (2.5 acres) 45 minutes after arriving and mopped up hotspots until just after 11 p.m.

Filing week ended Friday, May 9 with 14 races contested in Walla Walla and Columbia counties + the Waitsburg mayor race drew three candidates, with incumbent Marty Dunn facing challengers Brad Sandau and Jim Strawn while candidates may withdraw until May 12.

U.S. Rep. Michael Baumgartner visited Walla Walla High School on May 9 and answered student questions about government while touring the updated campus.

He praised the new JROTC course and facilities—funded by the 2024 capital levy—and discussed federal spending and Head Start funding concerns.

Rep. Michael Baumgartner visited Walla Walla on May 9 to discuss sustaining the district’s two VA hospitals and securing federal support for local projects—he also addressed challenges with new computer systems and public television funding during a Q&A with local residents.

Symphony Series: Earth, Water, Wind, & Fire

7-9 p.m. — Cordiner Hall — $5 for wine — Experience a captivating evening of orchestral music featuring distinguished composers and renowned tabla virtuoso Sandeep Das.

The Talbott Brothers Concert

7-11 p.m. — The Motor Co. — Ticket prices TBD — Experience heartfelt country and Americana tunes with soul-stirring harmonies from The Talbott Brothers.

Spanish Storytime

10:15-11:00 a.m. — Walla Walla Public Library — Free entry — Engage little ones with delightful stories in Spanish at the library.

Terry Robb Live Performance

6-8 p.m. — Quirk Brewing — Ticket prices not specified — Experience the sublime acoustic guitar mastery and unrestrained passion of Terry Robb.

The Lost Apples Project: A Tribute to Heritage Apples

5-6 p.m. — Fort Walla Walla Museum — Free entry — Discover the fascinating journey of rare apple varieties and their historical significance.

Walla Walla Music Fest 2025

4:30 PM – 10:00 PM — Walla Walla County Fairgrounds — Line-up includes Jackson Dean and Rare of Breed — Celebrate local music in a vibrant festival atmosphere.