April 18, 2023
Business and Community Updates
Broadband Update
Construction on the Dayton Community broadband project has been underway for almost 2 months, and great progress is being made. Mild weather has meant very few delays for both underground and aerial work. The project is still on track to be complete by September.

The work to install the fiber network includes ground disturbance, which may cause muddy areas along streets and driveways. Zero dB will make sure these areas are put back together as best they can. You may also see white markings on the ground near your property. These could be underground utility locates or project markings.

Work has begun inside the colocation center, which is located in the Rock Hill Industrial Park. This room houses the equipment used by the ISPs to provide service to the customers. Server racks, a power distrubtion system, and back-up batteries are a few of the important items being installed that will allow the fiber network to operate.

The trucks you see around town with Zero dB on the side are installing the fiber backbone, not hooking up customers - yet! Even though you can't get service quite yet, you can call each of the three companies offering service, ask questions, and sign up early! You have your choice of 3 internet providers. It is completely up to you which company you choose. Click here to view a flyer with contact information for each of the companies offering service.

If you have questions about the project, please feel free to call the Port office anytime at 509-382-2577 or email tracy@portofcolumbia.org .
What's Happening in the Community?
100-Year Highschool Cornerstone Celebration
Thursday from 5:30 - 7:30 pm

The 100-year anniversary celebration of the laying of the cornerstone of our historic high school building is this Thursday! That day has also been declared Red and Gold Day in honor of the 100-year celebration at the school. Wear your school colors and come learn about the amazing history of Dr. Pietrzycki, watch a skit written and performed by the middle school students, and enjoy hot dogs, cake, and community!
The BMS Co-op Market & Nursery Garden Center opens this Saturday, April 22. Come enjoy wood-fired pizza from Notorious P.I.E. while you peruse the wonderful vegetable, herb, and bedding plants available for purchase.

The Co-op Market and the green house will be open 10 am to 6 pm.

Notorious P.I.E. Wood-Fired Pizza will be available from 12 - 5 pm.
Drug Take Back Day - dispose of your old prescriptions properly this Saturday from 11 am - 1 pm at the Bank of Idaho parking lot at 427 E Main Street.

To prepare for Take Back Day:
Locate all medications in your household and ensure that they are securely stored (all lids are tightly on bottles, away from the reach of children and pets, etc.); Inventory the medications and identify which are unwanted and/or have expired dates; Label each of those identified medications with clear signage that indicates disposal and take them to our community collection site.
Columbia County Public Health is hosting a COVID Vaccine Clinic:
We are offering the Bivalent vaccine for this clinic.
Wednesday, April 19th
9:00 am - 11:30 pm
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Call 509-382-2181 to schedule your appointment.
We have one last clinic scheduled May 8th.

Other Business Activities:
  • Lorna Barth is teaching a painting class for $25 at Locally Nourished on April 24th at 10 am. Cost covers all materials. Contact Lorna Barth to register at lornabarth@storyhengeart.com
  • Columbia River Detail is offering full details for $300 through the month of April.
  • Did you know Body & Soul Fitness offers classes at the Club's "gym" on Cameron Street? First class is free! Find more info here.
  • Songs of the Cinema variety show is live this weekend at the Liberty Theater! Come see your friends and neighbors perform in our beautiful, historic theater. Find ticket here.
Unemployment Rate
February 2023 is the most recent unemployment number published by the Employment Security Department. Columbia County's rate was 7.5%, which is about average for February compared to the last five years.

The last year with complete, seasonally- adjusted unemployment numbers was 2021, and we ended the year with an average unemployment rate of 5.2%. That is the lowest average annual uunemployment rate we've experienced in many decades. Many businesses in the community have been forced to limit days or hours of operations due to staff shortages.
Port Planning Process Continues
The Port Commission is continuing to hold workshops after each regular meeting to discuss community needs, economic development priorities, and Port assets.

Do you think the Port should sell the rail line? Buy a building downtown? Work on housing issues? Public comment on what is heard and discussed at the workshops is welcome at the beginning and end of each Port regular meeting. The workshops are recorded and can be watched anytime.

Maul Foster, and Alongi, the conuslting firm leading the comp plan workshop discussions, provides a memo before each workshop with information they've gathered based on Port Commission priorities. Those memos provide a good summary of what's been discussed and can be viewed on the Port's website along with other materials.


Feedback is welcomed and encouraged. You can make comments during the public comment section of our regular Port Commission meetings, send direct comments to the Port office at 1 Port Way, Dayton, WA or email auditor@portofcolumbia.org .