Good morning, Walla Walla.

Walla Walla health officials and advocates will host a free suicide prevention walk on Sept.

10 at Walawàla Plaza—featuring guest speakers, a resource fair and a community walk downtown from 5 to 7 p.m.

Port commissioners extended the lease for Premier Finish Carpentry at 410 E.

Boeing Ave near the airport until 2030—this long-term tenant, in place since 2014, will pay an extra $274.37 each month. The lease extension, approved on Aug. 28, followed improvements made at the facility to meet port guidelines.

Former Columbia County prosecutor Dale Slack said his office held evidence that missing Dayton man Henry Wayne Mitchell—who disappeared in the Blue Mountains in November 2024—warranted a full criminal investigation and urged that the prosecuting and sheriff’s offices work together or call in outside help if needed.

Off-duty WSP trooper Sarah Clasen will be arraigned on September 24 for a suspected DUI crash—further details are pending.

The city finished the Pioneer Park pedestrian improvements project on Aug.

28, adding new sidewalks, ADA ramps, driver feedback signs, a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon and bike lanes on Division Street. The work also repaired Whitman Street by replacing water, sewer and storm systems — funding provided by a Transportation Improvement Board grant.

Port of Columbia commissioners shelved a proposal to sell the 37-mile railroad after reviewing operator Paul Didelius’ low offer, and they decided to work with him to keep the line under public control.

They said if no common ground is reached, they will search for a new operator when his lease ends in December—ensuring the rail line remains reliable for local shippers.

A subcontractor resumed limited work at the Howard Street repair project on Sept.

4 by placing gravel ahead of paving while work on the Myra Road extension and other projects remains paused as operating engineers continue their strike pending a new labor agreement.

Health officials from the Walla Walla County Department of Community Health warned that people and pets should avoid Casey Pond at McNary Wildlife Refuge near Burbank after tests on Sept.

2 found toxic blue-green algae with anatoxin-a levels exceeding state guidelines—exposure could cause serious illness in humans and death in pets.

Petty Fever Live at SOFH Walla Walla

6-9 p.m. — Sleight of Hand Cellars — $30 — Enjoy a night of live music from the best Tom Petty tribute band to kick off a weekend of wine and fun.

Spanish Storytime

6:30-7:00 p.m. — Walla Walla Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy a bilingual storytime for little ones and foster a love for reading in Spanish.

Annual Kitchen Tour

11 AM – 4 PM — The Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center — Supports women's scholarships — Explore Walla Walla’s beautifully renovated kitchens.