Good morning, Walla Walla.

The Blue Mountain Land Trust helped secure Hayshaker Farm and Welcome Table Farm for local food production in the valley.

They arranged a low-interest loan to buy 11.53 acres for Hayshaker and set a conservation easement on 24.62 acres for Welcome Table Farm (ensuring these lands remain in agriculture).

Washington drivers saw gas prices jump this summer as problems at California refineries and global tensions pushed costs to nearly $4.41 a gallon by June 18.

A planned tax increase on July 1 and upcoming refinery closures will likely drive prices even higher.

The Walla Walla Public Schools Foundation raised over $30,000 from local donors to fund outdoor education programs for students from kindergarten to high school.

The funds will support trips like overnight camping at Camp Wooten and farm visits at Welcome Table Farm—efforts addressing state funding cuts in outdoor education.

After months of construction and budget approvals, the Port of Walla Walla now holds meetings in the new Adams Conference Room at the airport terminal building (dedicated to former airport manager Larry G.

Adams for his service). The Port spent $2.83 million on building upgrades, including a new HVAC system and office space, and completed its TSA checkpoint and gate area expansion project with FAA CARES Development Grant dollars and local funds.

Gov. Bob Ferguson visited the Veterans Home on Wednesday, June 18 after a roundtable where residents asked questions.

He met with Administrator Lonna Leno and staff, discussed his family’s military service and Medicaid issues — saying changes could affect veteran care in the future.

Waitsburg Parks & Rec District announced on June 16 that it will run a levy on the November ballot—proposing 89 cents per $1,000 in assessed property value to generate about $200,000 a year and help reopen the community pool; over $90,000 has been raised and a new pool site selected. The planned pool, featuring six lap lanes and a zero-entry area—will cost between $2.1M and $2.5M, with further fundraising and grant efforts to cover remaining expenses.

Mark Leroue Jr. suffered severe burns in an explosion at Nancy’s Dream Garden Center in Waitsburg on March 11 and his 15-month recovery has focused on daily exercises, balance, and strength as he prepares to return to Harborview in July for hand grafts.

Hermiston watermelons return to the Columbia Basin as summer nears—shoppers can use tips like checking for a creamy yellow field spot, dull skin, a hollow sound, heavy weight, sugar spots and a dry stem to choose the juiciest fruit.

June Festival

31st annual summer fundraiser to assist with the operational costs for our historical museum. Come for a catered meal, live music, local wine, silent auction, and community spirit! (21+, tickets are $65.)

Walla Walla Sweets vs. Portland Pickles

6:35-11:00 p.m. — Borleske Stadium — Affordable ticket prices — Watch the 2024 West Coast League Champions take on the local Sweets in an exciting baseball matchup.

Walla Walla Sweets vs. Portland Pickles

6:35-11 p.m. — Borleske Stadium — Affordable entry — Cheer on the Walla Walla Sweets as they take on the 2024 West Coast League Champions, the Portland Pickles, in an exciting 3-game series.

Dinner on the Sunset Terrace

8:30-9:00 p.m. — The Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center — Cost not specified — Experience a delectable four-course dinner paired with Mercer wines and insights from winemaker Ali Mayfield.

Walla Walla Sweets vs. Yakima Valley Pippins

5:35-11 p.m. — Borleske Stadium — Tickets available — Cheer on the local collegiate baseball teams in a thrilling summer showdown.

Walla Walla Sweets vs. Yakima Valley Pippins

6:35-11 p.m. — Borleske Stadium — Family-friendly prices — Watch the collegiate stars of tomorrow face off in a spirited baseball showdown.

Walla Walla Sweets vs. Corvallis Knights Baseball Game

6:35–11 p.m. — Borleske Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Experience a thrilling collegiate baseball match featuring the Walla Walla Sweets and the Corvallis Knights.