Good morning, Walla Walla.

At a meeting on July 24, the Port approved a $400,000 grant and selected Premier Excavation Inc. to extend a waterline that will upgrade the Wallula Dodd Water System–providing drinking water and fire protection for local business parks.

The $816,602 project meets purchase agreement requirements and sets a foundation for future utility upgrades.

From The Sky Down exhibit is at CAVU Cellars Gallery showcasing works by artist Ariel Anderson and the Kerns sisters through Sept.

17. The exhibit will have its opening reception tomorrow from 5—7 p.m. and features paintings and drawings inspired by nature.

Walla Walla Community College received $200,000 in grants for workforce development—$149,400 for a 450-hour training program with the Walla Walla Foundry and $49,725 for a renewable energy certification program from the state Board for Community and Technical Colleges.

A wildfire east of Walla Walla was contained late Tuesday evening after state fire resources were mobilized.

The fire started at 2:40 p.m. on July 29 near Scenic Loop Road and Mormon Grade Road, burned over 100 acres—threatening nearby homes and prompting evacuation orders that were later downgraded.

Walla Walla County Emergency Management officials said after 9:00 p.m. Tuesday that evacuation orders for the Scenic Fire area near South Fork Russell Creek Road have been reduced to Level 2 — residents may return home but should be cautious of emergency personnel and debris.

State firefighting resources, including units from the state patrol and local fire crews, joined efforts while the American Red Cross opened an evacuee shelter at the County Fairgrounds at 5 p.m.

Walla Walla County is inviting applications to fill a seat on the Planning Commission for District 2 with an unexpired term until March 1, 2029—candidates must be District 2 residents and help advise on land use policy.

Forms must be submitted by 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22—candidates may be interviewed by the Board of Commissioners.

Northwest Public Broadcasting will cut some programs to make up for a $2M annual loss caused by federal funding reductions under the Rescissions Act of 2025 — the station is negotiating with NPR and WSU to adjust its lineup while trying to avoid layoffs.

Sunday Tunes with Phil Lynch

2-4 p.m. — Henry Earl Estate Wines — Complimentary for wine club members — Enjoy live music from Phil Lynch at a local winery.

Bilingual Spanish Storytime

10:30 a.m. — Walla Walla Public Library — Free — Enjoy engaging bilingual storytelling for young children with Miss Jennifer.

Little Shop of Horrors

7-11 p.m. — Gesa Power House Theatre — Tickets available — Enjoy a delightfully dark and comedic musical performance with 'Little Shop of Horrors'.

The Grateful Dead Movie 2025 Meet-Up

7-9:30 p.m. — Gesa Power House Theatre — $10-$15 — Celebrate 60 years of the Grateful Dead with a screening of their iconic film featuring exclusive bonus content.

3 Doors Down Concert

7-10 p.m. — Walla Walla County Fairgrounds — Ticket prices vary — Rock out with Grammy-nominated 3 Doors Down as they bring their hits to Walla Walla.

Walla Walla Fair & Frontier Days Parade

6-8 p.m. — Walla Walla County Fairgrounds — Free entry — A vibrant family-friendly parade featuring antique cars, decorated trucks, and appearances from the Fair & Frontier Days Royalty.