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Monthly E-Newsletter / January 2026 |
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 Tree collection on Jan. 10, 11
The members of Scout Troops 305 and 336 are preparing for their annual Christmas tree collection, which will take place on Jan. 10 and 11, covering Walla Walla, College Place, and the surrounding areas. Trees should be left near the curb by 7 a.m. on Jan. 10. The collection is free, but donations are accepted and are pooled between the Scouts working to be used for summer camp, Scouting equipment, and uniforms.
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 Construction to affect Myra/SR-125 traffic
The intersection of SR-125 and Myra Road will be partially closed beginning Monday, Jan. 5, to allow the construction of a roundabout. SR-125 will remain open with one lane of traffic in each direction. Detour routes will be in place to facilitate access between Myra and SR-125 via Commercial Drive and The Dalles Military Road. Visit the project's page on the GoWallaWalla site for more information.
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Late December brought changes to the Walla Walla City Council. Rodney Outlaw (center), was sworn into office on Dec. 29, representing Walla Walla's Central Ward. On Dec. 31, the City announced the resignation of Council member/Mayor Tom Scribner (right). The Council has 90 days to fill the vacancy, and will discuss the process this month. The first meeting of the new City Council will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 14.
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Last month, the Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce recognized two City first responders during its annual Community Excellence Awards event. Firefighter/EMT Cesar Lopez (left) was named Firefighter of the Year and WWPD Detective Kevin Toon (right) was presented with the Nick Henzel Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award. Congratulations to Cesar and Kevin for representing the City of Walla Walla and our fire and police departments with great honor.
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Utility customers can now set up an Autopay account through a form on the City website. No more phone calls or paperwork — just a quick, convenient experience designed to save you time. This improvement is part of an ongoing commitment to making City services easier, faster, and more accessible for everyone.
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The second round of leaf collection effort continues, with crews currently working in Monday's garbage collection area. Visit the City website for complete details and to track the crews' progress.
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Five City facilities hosted drop boxes for the 2025 Toys For Tots campaign and collected nearly 150 toys for local children. Thanks to everyone who volunteered and contributed to this great cause, helping to deliver hope to children during the holiday season and beyond.
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December programs at the Walla Walla Public Library included After School at the Library (shown here), a holiday Sing-Along, Mocktails & Mini-Art. This month's events feature a musical performance, the Community Quilt Project, Open Sewing Lab, and many more fun, family-friendly activities. Visit the library's calendar to view the upcoming events for kids, families, teens, and adults — and follow WWPL on Facebook for the latest updates.
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The Library also holds events off site, including as a story time at Tranche Estate (shown here) and the What-Are-You-Reading? Club. This new drop-in reading group invites attendees to discuss whatever they’re reading and loving, with no assigned title. This month, the group will meet on Jan. 12 at Browne Family Vineyards.
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Dec. 6 was a busy day for the City, with staff organizing and participating in multiple community events. In the morning, residents enjoyed three sold-out Breakfasts with Santa at Fire Station 1, hosted by Parks and Recreation and the Walla Walla Fire Department. In the evening, the Walla Walla Public Library held an after-hours viewing party of the Holiday Parade of Lights. Prior to the parade, Parks and Rec, with City Manager Elizabeth Chamberlain, welcomed residents downtown for the Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony. Thank you to everyone who came out to enjoy these annual community traditions with us!
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In December, Fire Station 1 received a table that was designed and manufactured by Washington State Penitentiary inmates who work in the Pen's factory section. The table was designed to honor WWFD personnel who have passed in the line of duty. The craftsmanship is simply amazing, and the department is grateful for the meaningful addition to our fire station.
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On Dec. 13, members from law enforcement agencies across the region joined 95 community members for Shop with a Cop. Throughout the morning, Walmart was filled with laughter, excitement, and gratitude as children raced through the aisles selecting gifts for their families. The smiles on their faces as they filled their carts were a reminder of the positive impact the event has year after year.
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In December, WWPD personnel trained with other local law-enforcement agencies in de-escalation and Patrol Tactics Instruction. The courses are designed to promote safe and effective tactics that are used on a day-to-day basis in police work, with an emphasis on time, distance, and cover.
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The City is currently hiring for a variety of full-time and part-time positions, including Grounds Maintenance Worker, HR Manager, Police Officers, Firefighters, Recreation staff, and more. For details and to apply, visit the City's employment portal.
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Upcoming Events
City Council Work Sessions
4-6 p.m. • Jan. 12 and 26 • Walla Walla City Hall
View City Council agendas on the Agendas page on the City website.
City Council Regular Meetings
6:30 p.m. • Jan. 14 and 28 • Walla Walla City Hall
View City Council agendas on the Agendas page on the City website.
City offices and facilities closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Jan. 19
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