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Sheila Hagar

Stories by Sheila

Sunland peanut butter recall proves sticky

When Sunland Inc. of New Mexico began a recall effort on Sept. 24, it would have been difficult to gauge the tsunami effect that would have.

Strength training off to hot start

I owe Leslie Snyder 50 cents. It was Monday when I uttered the foul phrase, "I can't." Each offense is a quarter and I said it twice. Through gritted teeth.

Grants show strength of local giving

WALLA WALLA — It might have been the 27th annual discretionary grant giveaway for Blue Mountain Community Foundation, but fresh excitement was in the air at the Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center on Thursday evening.

A build-it-themselves Walla Walla wedding bash

Our Valley has definitely become a destination for wine and fruit enthusiasts. Bicyclists, photographers and musicians also seek out what this community offers.

Recall sheds light on peanuts' reach

WALLA WALLA — If the ever-spreading peanut and peanut butter recall is driving you nuts, imagine being Katalin Coburn, vice president of media relations at Sunland Inc.

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Tragedy strengthens family's course

The Fletcher family lost its 6-month-old son in July, but is determined his legacy will help other babies.

WALLA WALLA — It was impulsive, silly and fun and Becky Fletcher can, incredibly, smile at the memory.

Event to raise roof for fallen rider

WALLA WALLA — JoAnne Mohrland plans to rock the house Saturday night. The musician — who has been part of the Walla Walla music scene for years — expects to give her fans and friends the party they’ve all been longing for. The one many feared could never happen again.

Muscling middle age outta the way

I can already tell I am going to fear Leslie Snyder.

Nonprofit leader wins regional award

Lawson Knight of the Blue Mountain Community Foundation was named volunteer of the year by Philanthropy Northwest.

WALLA WALLA — A leader in the Walla Walla nonprofit community was recognized this week at the Philanthropy Northwest annual conference.

Children's Museum plans work day

WALLA WALLA — Before children can play, the new board of the Children’s Museum of Walla Walla must get some work out of the way.

Shoppers to sheet makers: Wake up!

There is a silent crisis in America begging to be addressed.

Caution urged for potential donors

A group called Autism Awareness United is under scrutiny by state officials.

WALLA WALLA — Local Department of Human Services officials are urging Walla Walla residents to donate with caution.

Music and merriment take stage at Maryhill

GOLDENDALE, Wash. — The party was well under way by 4 p.m.

Widespread nut butters recalled

More than 75 food products made by Sunland Inc. are being recalled due to possible contamination.

Water advisory issued for Touchet school district

The Washington state Department of Health has issued an advisory for the public school district in Touchet.

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Tiny preemie loses fight for life

WALLA WALLA — Josaphene Rhodes, better known as “Josie,” died Sunday at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center & Children’s Hospital in Spokane.

Local volunteers off to help with fires

WALLA WALLA — Two local American Red Cross volunteers were deployed Sunday to assist with response wildfires in Eastern Washington, according to Jerry Cummins, executive director of the Blue Mountain chapter.

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Family, community rally for tiny infant girl

WALLA WALLA — At 6:10 p.m. just over a week ago, Kris and Dewayne Rhodes’ impossible dream looked like it might stay that way.

Air quality remains a concern

WALLA WALLA — Public health departments in Walla Walla and Umatilla counties are alerting residents to the compromised air quality due to wildfires in Oregon and Washington.

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Ash, smoke settle in for stay in Valley

WALLA WALLA — It’s beginning to feel a lot like … Pompeii.

Daphne and me: A meeting of minds

It’s morning. So early that the night remains steadfast in the sky, not ready to relinquish its reign.

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Clinic chief turns page, but leaves bookmark

After 21 years here, Duane Lucas-Roberts leaves for the Vancouver (Wash.) Clinic, but he says he isn't gone for keeps.

WALLA WALLA — When he exits his office for the last time next week, Duane Lucas-Roberts will not be all that concerned whether anyone remembers he was ever there.

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Keeping the peace on home turf

PENDLETON — If you occasionally enjoy — emphasis on “enjoy” — a concert in a public venue, there’s a reason.

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A kitchen shared

Community Kitchen classes offer local people a chance to pick up something new or hone their skills.

Steve and Chris Sinclair have the same objective in mind — making Steve’s famous homemade pizza even more delicious.

Vaccination rates in state ahead of national average

WALLA WALLA — For the first time, parents in Washington state are doing better at immunizing their children than most moms and dads in the nation, according to health officials.

His and mine, theirs ... and ours

“One big, happy family.”

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Groom Squad: Ready, set go ... brush, comb, show

There’s something about 4-H kids, Heidi Thomas knows.

CCY program offers 'treasures' for teens

WALLA WALLA — The Community Center for Youth recently rolled out treasures for teens in its new Elevate program, said Director Candice Johnson.

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'Back Road' in the front seat

Rodney Atkins offered the big kickoff for the fair in concert Wednesday night.

WALLA WALLA — If sheer volume, cheering and stomping were any indication, nearly 3,100 people agreed with Rodney Atkins — it’s good to be in America.

Children's Museum of Walla Walla still on track to close

Board still open to groups with 'workable plan.'

WALLA WALLA — The doors of the Children’s Museum of Walla Walla are still on track to close Friday, but hope is in the air.

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Mrs. Camo Man's day with a bear skull

I was recently in the lobby of the Martin Archery factory west of Walla Walla, surrounded by wild animals.

Children's Museum rescue eyed

WALLA WALLA — The Children’s Museum of Walla Walla, which is scheduled to close shop this Friday, may be getting a booster shot instead.

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War's blow falls hard on Walla Walla family

The Hexums try to pick up the pieces of their lives shattered by PTSD.

WALLA WALLA — The young wife shed no tears when she saw herself on TV on Aug. 9. That made a first, she said. “I’d watched it 10 times and cried every time.”

Sherwood Trust opens extra round of grant funding

WALLA WALLA — Money pledged to support the failed city aquatic center will need a new home, a Sherwood Trust official says.

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Daugs completes task to mend department

WALLA WALLA — On Tuesday, the people will come, the goodies will be consumed, and perhaps the accolades will be heard.

Whooping cough seen on rise in Umatilla County

Umatilla County Public Health Department today confirmed another case of pertussis, or “whooping cough”. A school age child living in the east end of the county was diagnosed at the beginning of the month and attended a drop-in summer reading program at Pendleton public library prior to diagnosis.

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Child's play ended by grown-up woes

There is no doubt in his mind that a hole in the community is about to be opened up, Damien Sinnott said Friday.

SonBridge wins Sherwood grant for construction

A $170,000 grant from the Donald and Virginia Sherwood Trust will help SonBridge Community Center complete construction of its new medical and dental clinics, plus upgrade its parking.

Respiratory care therapist charged with unprofessional conduct

A local health care provider has been suspended from his ability to practice and charged with unprofessional conduct by the Washington state Department of Health.

Community cupboards feel share of hard times

It’s nearing 1 p.m. on a recent Friday and the day is scorching. The heat prompts Tom Galloway to open the locked door of the basement of First Presbyterian Church on First Avenue and Birch Street. He’s ahead of schedule to usher folks in — the Pantry Shelf food distribution program runs this day from 1-3 p.m.

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‘Walla Walla Walks’ to drive home point

A one-mile walk and 5K run are planned to change the local picture of drinking and driving.

Alvaro Lamprea never knew what a fighter he was until he had but one leg to stand on. And with that, he's walking a mile next month in a stand against drunken driving.

'Walla Walla Walks' to drive home point

Alvarao Lamprea never knew what a fighter he was until he had but one leg to stand on.

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Little Theatre brings on melodrama madness

Whatever it is, it’s definitely not William Shakespeare. “Make sure you tell them that,” whispered Robert G. Randall, in an aside from his director’s seat at Little Theatre of Walla Walla.

HEALTH & FITNESS - Two lands, one mission

Dr. Brad Titus works toward the same goal in the US and Rwanda — help people learn to help themselves.

WALLA WALLA — Dr. Brad Titus practices cardiovascular medicine in Walla Walla and does so with all the skills his education offers and the considerable technology available at his fingertips.And Dr. Brad Titus practices medicine across the world, in the R

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Two lands, one mission

Dr. Brad Titus works toward the same goal in the US and Rwanda – help people learn to help themselves.

Dr. Brad Titus practices cardiovascular medicine in Walla Walla and does so with all the skills his education offers and the considerable technology available at his fingertips. And Dr. Brad Titus practices medicine across the world, in the Republic of Rwanda, where his tools include worming medicine and childhood vaccines.

When kids 'parent' they get to pay, too

The world my children inhabit underwent an earthquake one recent evening in my friend Kaysun’s kitchen. Everyone was working to produce dinner before my youngest kiddo, Miss Tall-and-Blond, and Kaysun’s youngest, The Lovely Nat, had to scurry off to a performance of children’s theater. In which they were both fabulous novice actresses, not gonna lie.

HOME PLACE - When kids 'parent' they get to pay, too

The world my children inhabit underwent an earthquake one recent evening in my friend Kaysun's kitchen.Everyone was working to produce dinner before my youngest kiddo, Miss Tall-and-Blond, and Kaysun's youngest, The Lovely Nat, had to scurry off to a perf

Moment's choice leaves sad, lasting mark

Responsible. The go-to girl. The dependable one.

Pertussis epidemic grips state

Several dozen cases have been reported here, but a local health official says the real number of infections is likely in the hundreds.

t's been the year of years for whooping cough in Washington state. The Department of Health released an update on Tuesday that puts the number of documented cases so far this year at 3,014 through July 14. In 2011, 219 cases had been reported for the same time frame.

Whooping cough epidemic grips Washington

It's been the year of years for whooping cough in Washington state. The Department of Health released an update on Tuesday that puts the number of documented cases so far this year at 3,014 through July 14. In 2011, 219 cases had been reported for the same time frame. This year's rate is 44.8 cases per 100,000 state residents, according to health officials. There have been 185 babies younger than 1 reported as having the disease, and 30 of those were hospitalized. Children ages 10-13 have the highest incident rate -- 218 cases per 100,000 in the age range.