Remote Surveillance Trailer in Walla Walla, WA

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On Sunday at 10:34 p.m. the NWS Pendleton OR issued an updated flood warning in effect until Monday at 8 a.m. for Walla Walla County.

The NWS states, "Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast for Walla Walla River near Touchet."

"At 13.0 feet, Minor flooding of low land areas along river," comments the NWS. "Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding. Please report observed flooding to local emergency services or law enforcement and request they pass this information to the National Weather Service when you can do so safely."

This warning is in effect until Monday at 8 a.m.

If you reside in a flood-prone area or you are camping in a low-lying area, move to higher ground. If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Lock your home before departing. If time allows, disconnect utilities and appliances. Avoid basements or rooms where water has submerged electrical outlets or cords. If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping noises, evacuate immediately. Avoid any water that may be charged with electricity and do not attempt to walk through floodwaters. Even 6 inches of swiftly moving water can forcefully knock you off your feet. If you become trapped by moving water, seek the highest possible point and contact emergency services by calling 911.

During periods of intense rainfall, the risk of flooding increases, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas. It is imperative to avoid driving through any water on the road, even if it seems shallow. According to the NWS, most cars can be swept away by just 12 inches of rushing water.

What is hydroplaning?

Hydroplaning is when a vehicle starts uncontrollably sliding on wet roads.

This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way. The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control. The top three contributors to hydroplaning are:

In the event of your vehicle hydroplaning, here's what to know:

Source: The National Weather Service

United Robots Washington

Community Meet-and-Greet and Hiring Event Scheduled for March 24–26

LAKEWOOD, Colo., March 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Natural Grocers^®, the nation's premier family-operated organic and natural grocery retailer, plans to open a new store in Walla Walla, Washington, this spring. Located in downtown Walla Walla, the new store will mark Natural Grocers' sixth location in the Evergreen State and its first in the Walla Walla Valley. Known for its eclectic mix of Main Street shops, restaurants and civic spaces, downtown Walla Walla is a fitting home for Natural Grocers' commitment to quality, community and local engagement.

COMMUNITY MEET-AND-GREET AND HIRING EVENT Natural Grocers invites Walla Walla residents and nearby neighbors to a community meet-and-greet on March 24, followed by a two-day hiring event March 25–26, 2026. These events offer attendees the opportunity to connect with the Natural Grocers team, learn more about the company's history and values, and explore career opportunities at the new store.

Both events will be held in the ballroom at the Courtyard^® by Marriott, Walla Walla, located approximately five minutes from the new store.

COMMUNITY MEET-AND-GREET

HIRING EVENT

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

COMPANY CULTURE & BENEFITSJust like its dedication to its customers and community, Natural Grocers has cared for its good4u^SM Crew since its founding in 1955. The company now employs more than 4,000 Crew members at 168 stores, in 21 states. As part of its Five Founding Principles, Natural Grocers supports employees by offering:

More details about the upcoming Grand Opening celebration in Walla Walla will follow, as the date gets closer. Applicants can apply for consideration here or by texting 'GROW' to 720-573-2153. ^[I] For hiring inquiries, please contact recruiting@naturalgrocers.com. For media requests, please contact media@naturalgrocers.com.

ABOUT NATURAL GROCERS BY VITAMIN COTTAGEFounded in 1955, Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NYSE: NGVC) is an expanding specialty retailer of natural and organic groceries, body care products and dietary supplements. The grocery products sold by Natural Grocers must meet strict quality guidelines and may not contain artificial flavors, preservatives or sweeteners (as defined by its standards), synthetic colors or partially hydrogenated or hydrogenated oils. The Company sells only USDA-certified organic produce and exclusively pasture-raised, non-confinement dairy products and free-range eggs. Natural Grocers' flexible smaller-store format allows it to offer affordable prices in a shopper-friendly, clean and convenient retail environment. The Company also provides extensive free science-based Nutrition Education programs to help customers and Crew make informed health and nutrition choices. Natural Grocers is committed to its Five Founding Principles—including its "Commitment to Community" and "Commitment to Crew." In fiscal year 2025, the Company invested more than $16 million in incremental compensation and discretionary payments for Crew. Headquartered in Lakewood, CO, Natural Grocers has 168 stores in 21 states. Visit naturalgrocers.com for more information and store locations.

^[i] Natural Grocers respects all individuals' privacy and will not share this information. Message and data rates may apply. See for its Privacy Policy and for terms of use. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/natural-grocers-expands-to-walla-walla-washington-302710176.html

SOURCE Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc.

You May Also Be Interested In

Cheapest gas stations in Walla Walla

Anyone who drives a car understands the sting of having to fill up their tank and pulling into the gas station, only to discover that gas prices have skyrocketed. Paying extra for gas means you have less to spend on other things, which, over time, can really put a crimp in your budget.

Cheap Insurance explored some of the reasons behind major changes in gas prices, and compiled a list of the cheapest gas stations in Walla Walla using data from Gas Buddy.

Gas prices fluctuate based on several factors, including the cost of the key ingredient, crude oil, as well as the available supply and demand for gasoline. If the price of oil rises, a major refinery goes offline, or more drivers are hitting the road, for example, then the cost will increase.

In the first half of 2022, a unique confluence of events led to a surge in gas prices. The increased demand stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and a slowdown in oil production all contributed to a national all-time high of $4.93 per gallon on average in June 2022.

Seasons also affect gas prices. Demand tends to drop in winter, but the cost also falls because gas stations switch to a different blend of gasoline that's optimal for lower temperatures—and has cheaper ingredients.

Location also matters. The South and Midwest tend to have the lowest gas prices, while the West, including Hawai'i, has the highest. Californians, in particular, pay more for gas on average than any other state. That's because of its high state excise taxes; its isolation from the country's major pipelines, which causes supply issues; and its requirements that mandate a more environmentally friendly blend of gas that costs more to produce and adds to the price per gallon.

No matter where you live, read on to see if you can get a deal on gas near you.

#1. Cenex- Address: 706 W Rose St, Walla Walla, WA- Price: $3.84

#2. Chevron- Address: 857 S 2nd Ave, Walla Walla, WA- Price: $3.89

#3. Conoco- Address: 110 S 9th Ave, Walla Walla, WA- Price: $3.99

#4. PPI Mart- Address: 2285 E Isaacs Ave, Walla Walla, WA- Price: $4.09

#5. Safeway- Address: 1490 Plaza Way, Walla Walla, WA- Price: $4.11

#5. Sinclair (tie)- Address: 403 E Main St, Walla Walla, WA- Price: $4.11

#7. Shell- Address: 14813 Dodd Rd, Burbank, WA- Price: $4.15

#7. Shell (tie)- Address: 838 Uhling Rd, Burbank, WA- Price: $4.15

#9. Friends Corner- Address: 773 Kohler Rd, Burbank, WA- Price: $4.16

#10. Shell- Address: 406 S College Ave, College Place, WA- Price: $4.19

was produced by and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

Seattle Met, a monthly publication focusing on entertainment and food in Seattle and the state of Washington has released its list of the 30 best restaurants in the state, and three Walla Walla County eateries have made the cut.

Salted Mill and Passatempo Taverna in Walla Walla and Bar Bacetto in Waitsburg were among the 15 restaurants east of the Cascades to make the list.

The Seattle Met review noted that Bar Bacetto owner and chef Mike Easton used to own a restaurant in Seattle and wrote that fans of that restaurant will find lots to love at the Waitsburg restaurant.

“Fond memories of Mike Easton’s original restaurant aren’t a requirement to enjoy his current one. But fans of his original Il Corvo might shed a few joyful tears when they sample the same astonishing pasta that once built line-around-the-block loyalties,” the review states.

The reviewers had high praise for executive chef Sam Shelton at Passatempo Taverna.

“Raised in Walla Walla, she (Shelton) returned home in 2016 just a year after the taverna launched, to serve as general manager,” the review states. “Eventually she also became the executive chef. House made pastas reign, sandwiched between classic Italian starters and a short list of pizzas and steaks; house specialty pastas that pull from Walla Walla’s rich farm country tend to overshadow classic Roman styles.”

As for the Salted Mill, it was new atmosphere in addition to the food that caught Seattle Met’s attention.

“In Walla Walla’s historic mill building, where beloved restaurants like Whitehouse-Crawford and Kinglet made the wine town a fine-dining destination, Salted Mill is doing something a little different,” the review states. “It only takes a few minutes overhearing locals chatting across the bar top to realize the change; this storied brick hall is now mostly about fun.”

Salted Mill owner Jim Kiefer said the local restaurants making the list is good Walla Walla.

“I think it's, more than anything, it's great for the town,” he said. “I mean, it’s a big deal for Walla (Walla).”

Kiefer said his goal with his restaurant has always been about people.

“We just want to take care of our people, you know, our staff and our guests, in the most impactful way, but in a true manner, not in a made-up manner,” he said. “(It’s not just) someone's coming in to buy something, you give them something and you say goodbye. It’s more than that. It's about how do we connect with our guests. And that's a big part for us is connecting, being genuine.”

Rep. Michael Baumgartner (R-Spokane) has officially named Bill Plucker, a veteran teacher from Walla Walla High School, as the winner of the “Classroom to the Capitol” contest. Mr. Plucker will join the Congressman in Washington, D.C., for the State of the Union Address on February 24.

This contest was created to celebrate the hard work and dedication of educators throughout Eastern Washington.

A career dedicated to students and country

Mr. Plucker has spent over 33 years teaching social studies and civics, and he is credited with starting the AP Government program at Walla Walla High.

Outside of the classroom, he has a long history of community service as a Marine Corps veteran, a Boy Scout volunteer, and a coach for football, baseball, basketball, and softball. Congressman Baumgartner praised him as a role model for the next generation.

“Bill Plucker represents the very best of Eastern Washington – a teacher, coach, and veteran who has dedicated his life to shaping the next generation of citizens and leaders,” Baumgartner said.

???? NEWS

I just called Walla Walla High School teacher Bill Plucker to tell him he won my “Classroom to the Capitol” State of the Union ticket contest. After 33+ years teaching civics and inspiring students, no one deserves it more.

Congrats, Bill! See you at the SOTU! pic.twitter.com/TqnoAdc7dU

— Congressman Michael Baumgartner (@RepBaumgartner) February 12, 2026

While Mr. Plucker was the overall winner, the Congressman also took time to thank the many people who sent in nominations for other great teachers. He noted that reading about the impact these educators have on their students was a powerful reminder of why their work is so important.

“I am encouraged and optimistic about the future because of the incredible work being done by educators like Bill,” the Congressman added.

The competition was tough, with many high-quality teachers being considered for the trip to the capital.

Along with the winner, two other teachers were recognized as finalists for their outstanding work in their schools.

Kit Devita of Gonzaga Prep High School and Jessica Becherini of Spokane Public Schools were honored for their dedication and impact in the classroom.

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