Good morning, Walla Walla.

Ben Kleban, owner of the downtown Chevron station, filed an appeal against nearly $5M in fines and cleanup costs that Ecology issued after officials said his station caused an underground gasoline leak—he said his business spent $1M on cleanup using insurance funds and denies responsibility for the spill.

Combine Art Collective at 130 E.

Rose St. launches its Pastoral exhibit today featuring works by Kathleen Casteel, Shelia Coe, and Rachelle Moore—showing scenes of rural life—on view until Nov. 2. An artist reception is scheduled for tomorrow, Oct. 3, from 4-6 p.m. at the venue.

The Kirkman House Museum will host its annual Sheep to Shawl and open house event this Saturday, October 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.—kids and adults can learn about wool production through live demonstrations and enjoy bluegrass music and local artisans’ work during a free unguided tour of the historic house.

On September 23, students at Waitsburg Elementary School learned fire safety skills when College Place and the Walla Walla fire teams presented the Safety Always Matters program—teaching kids to stop, drop, roll, and dial 911 in an emergency.

Local agencies face challenges from the government shutdown as some keep services running while others furlough staff or close their offices — the USDA office in Dayton and Whitman Mission are closed and the WIC program may stop soon if funding lapses continue.

This morning, local hunters spent three hours chasing quail through fields of blackberry brambles and Russian olives on the Palouse outdoors.

Their dog Finn helped bring down a wounded bird as the group moved carefully through narrow trails — marking a memorable hunt that mixed skill with a love for nature.

Annual Kitchen Tour

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

Falla Walla Half Marathon, 10K & Heroes 5K Run

9 AM – 1 PM — Walla Walla Community College — Registration fees apply — Experience scenic views of the Blue Mountains while enjoying a variety of running events.

WSAMA 2025 Fall Conference

— Oct 15-17 — The Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center — Registration required — Engage in professional development with CLE credit sessions on various topics.

Fall Furr Ball 2025

5:30-10 p.m. — The Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center — Tickets available — An elegant evening benefiting animal welfare with dinner, entertainment, and auctions.

Checkpoint Zoo - Film Screening

7-9 p.m. — Gesa Power House Theatre — Cost varies — Experience the heroic rescue efforts of zookeepers and volunteers in Checkpoint Zoo.