Andy Porter has been a reporter and photographer for the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin since 2000.
And, yes, he’s used to being called “Porter the reporter.” (He also has the same initials as the Associated Press, which doesn’t help matters.)
After graduating from Arizona State University with a degree in journalism, Andy worked for many years as a reporter in New Mexico while picking up a permanent sunburn.
Seeking a change in the weather, he moved to Coos Bay, Ore., and after several years there then made his way to Walla Walla.
At the Union-Bulletin, Andy covers Walla Walla County, the city of College Place, the Washington State Penitentiary, agriculture, the environment and just about anything else that walks in the door.
Some of the highlights of his career include covering the first and only landing of a space shuttle at White Sands Missile Range, the shipwreck of the New Carissa, getting to drive a Coast Guard rescue boat and, most recently, accepting a ride with Lt. Col. John Klatt, a person who flies airplanes upside down, straight up, straight down and occasionally sideways. (With some pride, Andy notes the airsickness bag was not needed. He was pretty loopy for the rest of the day though.)
Recent Stories
Most candidates to run unopposed
WALLA WALLA — A final flurry of filings Friday produced contested races for several city councils and school boards as well as the state Court of Appeals. However, a majority of those who filed for positions last week will be running unopposed.
Special filing period set for empty seats
WALLA WALLA — A special three-day filing period will open Monday for Walla Walla County offices open for election this year for which no one filed during the regular filing week.
Honour Project flights set for takeoff Saturday
WALLA WALLA — A local family’s project will allow a group of veterans to take flight Saturday, weather permitting.
Two resign from College Place City Council
The city has 90 days to fill vacancies left by Steve Dickerson and David Beamer.
COLLEGE PLACE — A couple of moving experiences have left the City Council with two vacancies to fill.
Candidate filing opens Monday
WALLA WALLA — Candidate filing week begins Monday for city councils, school boards, port districts and other posts up for election this year.
Balloon launch weather looks like a go for Stampede
Ideal conditions with calm, clear skies are forecast until Sunday when a cold front is expected to move in.
WALLA WALLA — Bright, yes. Breezy, no. Both which bode well for hot-air balloonists gathering in the Valley over the next few days.
Walla Walla County officials to see pay hike
Commissioners, whose own salaries are frozen through 2016, OK'd raises for other elected officials.
WALLA WALLA — Citing the need to keep pay adequate to encourage capable people to run for office, Walla Walla County commissioners approved a pay raise next year for all county elected officials except themselves.
Despite a couple of frosty nights, April promised true start to spring
WALLA WALLA — Apparently Mr. Winter didn’t get the memo to get off the stage.
Sustainable Practices Lab puts inmates back to work
WALLA WALLA — “Everything old is new again” isn’t just a song lyric here.
Projects to aid Walla Walla River flows completed
TOUCHET — With the rushing waters of the Walla Walla River forming an appropriate backdrop, two projects to aid both fish and farmers were given a formal dedication Tuesday.
