FRIDAY FUN FACT!

Did you know?

Over 50 years ago, on June 17, 1975, an announcement was made that a name had been chosen for Seattle's National Football League franchise. The team will be known as the Seattle Seahawks. The above article is from the Vancouver (WA) Columbian, Wed, Jun 18, 1975, Page 12. While folks were not excited in Anacortes since their high school team had that name, they eventually came around. As The Seattle Times noted in an editorial soon after the announcement, "be happy folks, it could have been the Seattle Sockeyes!"

The Seattle Seahawks played their first NFL regular season game on September 12, 1976, at the Kingdome, losing 30-24 to the St. Louis Cardinals. Tune in this Sunday at 3:30pm to watch the Seahawks take on the LA Rams for the NFC Championship. Congratulations to the Seahawks on a great 50th season.

Picture courtesy of Patrick McDonald, WA Secretary of State's Office and Seahawk fan!

DISH UP DAYTON!

Winter is the perfect time to rediscover what Dayton has to offer—one great meal or beverage at a time. Dish Up Dayton invites you to dine, eat, and drink local during January and February and be rewarded for it. Pick up a monthly Dish Up Dayton passport, spend $10 or more at participating local restaurants, eateries, or beverage spots, and receive a stamp. Fill your passport and you’ll be entered to win fun prizes, giving you even more reasons to come back and try new local favorites.

By choosing to eat and drink locally, you’re doing more than enjoying a good meal—you’re supporting local jobs, small businesses, and the heart of Dayton’s economy during the slower winter season. Dish Up Dayton is a fun, simple way to support the places that make our community special while enjoying great food, warm hospitality, and a little extra incentive along the way.

Participating merchants include: Adventure Espresso, Blue Mountain Station, Hotel Hardware/ Bobcat Room, BuckWheat Brewing, Elk Drug Fountain, General Store, The Liberty Theater, Locally Nourished, Moose Creek Café & Bakery, My Dad's Place Restaurant and Bar, Paige's Floral & Gifts, and Table Rock Meat Co. This campaign is sponsored by the Port of Columbia and Choose Columbia County.

COMMUNITY INFORMATION

SBA Funding Workshop for Small Business

Join Janie Sacco with the US Small Business Administration for a 90-minute virtual workshop that is designed for small business owners and entrepreneurs seeking a clear overview of SBA funding options. The session, held Tuesday January 27th from 1-2:30pm, will cover available loan programs, basic eligibility, and steps businesses can take to better prepare for financing. Time will be reserved at the end of the webinar for questions and discussion. This is a free virtual event. Registration is encouraged to help inform future programming. Click HERE to register.

Thanks to Mason EDC for sharing this valuable workshop!

MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH SURVEY

If you live or work in Walla Walla or Columbia Counties and your role—professionally or personally—touches middle school grade math (such as being an educator, caregiver, student, youth-serving professional, or community partner), United Way / Elevate would like to invite you to share their perspective and identify which questions are most essential in the context of our region by taking part in our Middle Grade Math survey.

Your input will help inform the Middle School Working Group’s understanding of current conditions and guide future strategies.

IMPORTANT MESSAGE from the DAYTON SCHOOL DISTRICT

From the Dayton School District: Attention Dayton community, we need your help. Our elementary students are experiencing regular issues with dog poo on their playground. As you can imagine this has made for some very unpleasant scenarios. We have posted signage and are asking you to please keep dogs off of the playground.

BLUE MOUNTAIN STATION CO-OP MARKET

2026 Membership Campaign & Drawing

This year, the Blue Mountain Station Co-Op Market is having a membership drawing! Everyone who renews their membership or signs up for a new membership will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a 1/2 pig graciously donated by Wolther Family Farm.

Memberships must be in by February 28th to have your name entered into the drawing. Pig will be butchered by Mr C's Smokin Co in Waitsburg. Please note that the winner of the drawing is responsible for cut & wrap.

For more information, visit the Blue Mountain Station website by clicking HERE

FUNDRAISER YARD SALE!

The Parks & Recreation District (Pool Team) are soliciting clean, usable items to donate for a yard sale in the spring to benefit the building of the Dayton pool. Items can be dropped off at 408 E. Clay in Dayton. Pick up is also available by calling Terri Hessler at 509-629-1573

For more information on the pool, please click: https://www.daytonpool.com/

Youth Mentoring Program Available - MENTORS NEEDED!

The Coalition for Youth & Families is pleased to announce the launch of a new mentoring program right here in Columbia County. This program will connect Mentors who will be able to share their expertise, inspire others, and help shape the future of Mentees. Mentees will be able to learn from experienced professionals, gain valuable insights, and take their lives to the next level.

To become a Mentor, please contact Kristen - Program Coordinator at: 509-382-3954 or via email at: Kristen_Thorstenson@co.columbia.wa.us. For more information, click: daytonscoalitionforyouthandfamilies.org

SUPPORTING THE FUTuRE OF ENGINEERING

Anderson Perry & Associates is committed to fostering the next generation of engineering talent within our community. They have awarded over $240,000 in scholarships in the communities we serve. This year, they are excited to announce that they will be offering four scholarships of $5,000 each to high school seniors in Eastern/Central Oregon and Eastern Washington who plan to pursue an engineering or related degree.

Scholarship Details:

• Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors with preference given to students in Eastern/Central Oregon and Eastern Washington planning to pursue an undergraduate engineering or related degree.
• Application Deadline: March 30, 2026, by 11:59 PM PST.
• Application Requirements:
• Current high school transcript, highlighting STEM-related coursework.
• Three letters of recommendation:
• From a school official or teacher confirming the student's interest in engineering.
• From an employer or volunteer supervisor confirming the student's work ethic.
• Other (such as coaches, mentors, extracurricular club leaders, etc.) attesting to the student's qualifications and engineering interest.
• A personal essay describing the student's engineering interests and career aspirations.
• Participation in a finalist interview via Zoom or Microsoft Teams.

For comprehensive information and to access the application portal, please visit their scholarship page at: Scholarship - Anderson Perry - Application

PORT of COLUMBIA INFORMATION

SPACE AVAILABLE FOR LEASE

The Port of Columbia has a great space available for lease.

CAMERON STREET COWORKING - Suite E is 912 sq ft with an outside entry as well as two interior doors. With large windows allowing lots of natural light, this space is bright and roomy. As part of the CoWorking model, the unit has access to the shared meeting room, kitchen and restroom. For more details, click HERE

For more information, or to make an appointment to view the space(s), please contact Tracy Clark at 509-382-2577 or tracy@portofcolumbia.org

FEBRUARY PORT COMMISSION MEETING

The Board of Commissioners for the Port of Columbia will hold their next regular meeting on Weds February 11, 2026. The meeting will begin at 5pm and be held in the Port of Columbia Conference Room located at 1 Port Way in Dayton. For those that cannot attend in-person, a remote option via ZOOM is available. Please click the below link.

Port Commission Meeting ZOOM LINK

For more information, please contact the Port at 509-382-2577 or auditor@portofcolumbia.org

Have an event or news you want to get out? Contact us!

If you have a community event, program or news you want to get out, please email the information to: shane@portofcolumbia.org.