November 27, 2024
November 27, 2024
PULLMAN — A local man was arrested and booked into the Whitman County Jail on Tuesday, Nov. 25, for multiple child pornography and conduct charges. Robert M. Keller, 38, of Pullman, is being held without bail in the Whitman County Jail on nine counts of first-degree dealing in depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct, one count of second-degree dealing in depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct, nine counts of first-degree possession of depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct and one...
COLFAX — Whitman Hospital and Medical Clinics (WHMC) Board of Commissioners approved the Hospital 2025 draft budget and capital budget during the Wednesday, Nov. 20, regular meeting. During a special meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 13, WHMC Chief Financial Officer Abby Smith presented the drafted budget numbers to the board. The WHMC Budget shows an operating revenue for 2025 is at $62,196,947, compared to the 2024 budget of $59,116,505. Net Patient Care is budgeted at $57,860,047, with 2024 at $55,538,505. Within net patient care, outpatient...
COLFAX - The Colfax Chamber of Commerce has a new Executive Director. Rachel Shad, of Rosalia, started the position on Friday, Nov. 12. "I've been looking for a role that involves community engagement," Shad said. Shad and her husband lived in Pullman where Shad was the owner of Sweet Mutiny, a cupcake shop formerly in Pullman, Shad has experience as a small business owner and was operating manager of the business from 2016 to 2018. Living in Rosalia for four years, Shad's husband is a...
COLFAX — Residents of Whitman County are gathering this Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 28, to celebrate and give thanks. County operations and facilities will be closed on Thanksgiving with the courthouse closed, post offices and banks closed. The Whitman County landfill and Transfer Station will be open on Friday, Nov. 29. The Whitman County Gazette will not have a Daily Bulletin on Thursday, Nov. 28, in observance of the holiday. The Annual Palouse Turkey Leg is set to kick off Thursday, Nov. 28, at 8 a.m., offering participants the chance...
COLFAX — Whitman County Commissioners awarded Mangum Construction the bid for work on the Kamiak Butte Water Project during the regular meeting Monday, Nov. 25. Commissioner Art Swannack said the bid from Mangum Construction, of Clarkston, was the lowest bidder at $430,347.98. Whitman County Director of Emergency Management Bill Tensfeld said the project will replace the well house and a couple thousand feet of water line. “It will include a booster station,” said Tensfeld, noting construction will start in the spring and go...
COLFAX — The Port of Whitman County Commissioners approved the Port’s 2025 budget after a discussion and public hearing during the Thursday, Nov. 21, regular commission meeting. The budget outlines the Port’s expected revenues from its leases and tax levy, its expenditures for operations, debt service and capital investments to support economic vitality of Whitman County and the region. Projected carryforward balances expected from Dec. 31, come to a total of $11,255,527. “Our 2025 budget reflects our commitment to building stronger,...
COLFAX — Two people were arrested on multiple charges following a high-speed pursuit through Whitman County that ended with the discovery of drugs, weapons and explosive materials in the suspect’s vehicle, according to the Washington State Patrol. Angel Figeroa Cartagena, 36, homeless, is charged with driving under the influence, attempting to elude a police vehicle, possession of controlled substances including methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl; unlawful possession of a firearm in the second degree, possession of an explosive device...
MOSCOW, Idaho — Prosecutors in the case against Bryan Kohberger, 30, accused of murdering four University of Idaho students in November 2022, have filed a request to appoint a new special assistant attorney general. Kohberger faces four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary in connection with the fatal stabbings of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin at an off-campus residence. The request, submitted Tuesday, Nov. 19, updates an earlier April 2023 petition that led to the appointments of...
PALOUSE—The City of Palouse has released its proposed 2025 budget, which shows significant changes to revenues and expenditures across multiple funds. The proposed revenue is $4,498,196.10, an increase of $406,830.25 or 9.9% from the original 2024 budget. Expenditures are expected to rise by $363,041, reaching $2,814,869.75, an overall increase of 14.8%. Among the changes, the Current Expense Fund is set to see a revenue increase of $18,000, or 1.7%, while expenditures are projected to rise by $68,177.50, or 10%. The Pool Fund is expected...
PALOUSE — The City of Palouse is preparing for snow and reminding residents of responsibilities going into the winter months. The city released its snow removal policy reminding residents before or when it starts to snow they need to park vehicles off the street if possible. Any vehicles left parked in areas of snow removal operations can prevent removal or become blocked by plowed snow. It is property owner’s responsibly to remove snow from sidewalks and are reminded to shovel snow into their yards on not onto the street or it gets...
MOSES LAKE, Wash. - The Garfield-Palouse (Gar-Pal) Vikings had their football season come to a close at the hand of the No. 2 team in the state, the Wilbur-Creston-Keller Wildcats on Saturday, Nov. 23. The Vikings fell to the Wildcats, 56-12, in the quarterfinals of the WIAA 1B State playoffs. Gar-Pal finished the season with a 6-6 record. The Wildcats opened the scoring on a 20-yard touchdown run by Davian Adams. They added to their score in the first quarter when Preston Michel punched in a...
PALOUSE — After going 18-8 last year with a 12-1 stretch in the second half of the season, the Garfield-Palouse (Gar-Pal) Vikings girls basketball team is back on the court. The Vikings made it to the State quarterfinals where they fell to Sunnyside Christian (23-5 last season) by just five points, 37-32. Gar-Pal graduated just one senior last year in Zoe Laughary, but are still relatively young with a lone senior this year in Camryn Blankenchip. The 5-foot-6 guard will be among juniors Elena Flansburg and Morgan Lentz with sophomore Kyra...
OAKESDALE - After taking fourth place at the State tournament last season, the Oakesdale Nighthawks girls basketball team is ready to make waves. Last season the Nighthawks finished with a record of 20-5, were the league champions and district champions. It was Oakesdale's first league-champion team in over 20 years and first district championship in over 15 years. "Our goals are to have fun, be present in the moment and compete," said Oakesdale head coach Heidi Perry. "Our focus is on the...
PALOUSE — With the Garfield-Palouse (Gar-Pal) Vikings football season just coming to an end last Saturday, the boys basketball team will get little rest before the start of the basketball season. The total roster number is still TBD as football just got done, but coach Nate Holbrook said it looks like his team will have 25 players. Seniors this year include cross country runners Brendan and Kieran Snekvik, both playing guard, along with football players Bryce Pfaff (guard), Landon Orr (post) and Macent Rardon (post). The Vikings finished...
OAKESDALE - After finishing the regular season as league champions with an 11-1 record, the Oakesdale Nighthawks will look to be a force on the court again this season. The Nighthawks won a regional game against Sound Christian to qualify to play in Spokane Arena last season, but fell to Neah Bay, 58-45 to end their season with a record of 17-8. This year, Oakesdale is back and ready to defend its league championship. Oakesdale graduated four out of the seven players in the varsity rotation...
Ah, Thanksgiving. Turkey, cranberries, pumpkin pie and family. It’s a time to give thanks and celebrate family traditions. But not if you’re glued to a cellphone. As adults, it’s time to set an example and put those devices away. Spend time with your family partaking in long-standing traditions or creating new ones. There’s no need to be spending the day surfing social media. Instead, enjoy real social media with family and friends. Talk together, eat together, enjoy each other’s company. You have a lot to be thankful for, and...
When Jay Inslee took the job as governor in 2013, the state’s annual operating budget was approximately $38.4 billion. After 12 years of the Inslee administration, the state is now spending almost twice as much per year, $75.5 billion. Yet, despite this massive increase in state spending, legislators are claiming that they will need another $10-12 billion over the next 4 years to balance the state’s checkbook. The state does not have a revenue problem, it has a spending problem. Democrat...
OAKESDALE — After approximately three months, the Oakesdale High School Drama Class is bringing the classic “Little Women,” to life on stage. The high school students will perform at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 4, doors opening at 6:15 p.m. in the Oakesdale Gymnasium, 101 East McCoy. Drama teacher Amy Warwick said at 5:30 p.m. the Elementary Assembly Student Body is hosting a community dinner before the performance. “I’m actually going to perform in this one too,” Warwick said. “They’re actually going to have an adult in the...
COLFAX - This year's presentation of "Hello Dolly" had Colfax seniors taking the lead as Dolly Levi and Vandergelder. For both seniors, Matthew Morgan, 18, and Claire Rowland, 17, this will be the second musical performance they have done in the Colfax theater during their high school careers. Rowland said playing Dolly was the second time she has been in the musical with her first performance being in the 2022 production of "Oliver!" "I was double casted. I played Bett and Mrs. Brewing," she...
GARFIELD –– Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines! With Thanksgiving—the “official start of the holiday season,”––landing on November 28 this year, the season is a brief one. It is time to let the festivities begin! The Garfield Farmers’ Market, which, after a very successful summer season moved indoors in mid-October, is hosting its first Small Business Saturday event from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30. A variety of vendors will be selling their wares, including baked goods and different kinds of crafts. If that...
COLFAX - The Colfax Chamber of Commerce, Fonks Coffeehouse owners and a large group of residents gathered outside the newly renovated Coffeehouse to celebrate with a ribbon cutting on Monday, Nov. 25. Outside the coffehouse located at 112 North Main Street, Colfax, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Rachel Shad presented owner Amy Warwick with flowers and thanked everyone for attending to celebrate everything the business went through to rebuild. The coffee shop located at 112 North Main...
MOSCOW — The Palouse Habitat for Humanity was awarded a $25,000 Community Possible grant from the U.S. Bank Foundation. The grant will go towards supporting Habitat’s work building affordable homes around the Palouse region. Funds provide operation support going into 2025, while the nonprofit finishes the Jones family home in Palouse, the Austin family in Moscow and starts the 2025 home in Pullman. “In Latah and Whitman Counties, the median income earner can no longer afford the median home price,” Executive Director of Palouse HFH...
COLFAX — The Whitman County Developmental Services is teaming up with DreamWorks Inc., LMK Inc., and Boost Collaborative setting up three Giving Trees. The Giving Trees will be located at two places in Colfax, the Whitman County Courthouse and Public Service Building and one will be in Pullman at the Human Services Building. Gifts items requested along with directions are located on tags and items collected will be distributed to adults who live in Whitman County with developmental disabilities. Those who give can return the gift wrapped...
COLFAX — The Friends of Hospice are hosting the annual Tree of Light and Remembrance Ceremonies in both Colfax and Pullman. The Pullman ceremony will take place at 5:30 p.m., on Tuesday, Dec. 3, at the Bishop Place Event Center, 815 Southeast Klemgard Street. In Colfax a ceremony will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at the local branch of the Whitman County Library. Friends of Hospice are offering attendees the opportunity to honor loved ones they have lost, including parents and grandparents who have passed. The ceremonies...
Whitman Hospital & Medical Clinics Elowyn Dell Paulakis, a girl, was born at 3:08 p.m., Nov. 23, to parents Ashante Erickson and Jonathan Paulakis. She weighed 7 pounds, 8.5 ounces. Pullman Regional Hospital Francesca Rose Duncombe, a girl, was born Nov. 18, to parents Vivienne Baldassare and Christopher Duncombe, of Pullman. Paternal Grandparents are Julie Thomas and William Duncombe, of Moscow. Maternal Grandparents are Wayne and Andrea Baldassare, of Northport, N.Y. Isabelle Joan Appel, a girl, was born Nov. 19, 2024, to aprents Neill and...
Colfax Monday, Dec. 2 Homemade mac and cheese, green beans, salad bar, apple slices, chocolate chip cookies. Friday, Dec. 5 Chicken alfredo, broccoli, salad bar, peaches, birthday dessert pumpkin cake. Colton Wednesday, Dec. 4 Chicken alfredo, broccoli, caesar salad, fruit, birthday dessert. Palouse Thursday, Dec. 4 Chicken chili, broccoli salad, fruit, birthday dessert. Pullman Friday, Nov. 29 Closed Native American Heritage Day. Tuesday, Dec. 3 Ham and cheese toasty, pasta salad, fruit salad, cranberry...
Jail Log COLFAX—The Whitman County Jail reported the following individuals booked from Nov. 20 to Nov. 25 Nov. 20 Teresa Ann Beckvold, 54, third-degree theft. $1,000 cash only bail through District Court. Johnathan Michael Hopkins, 37, warrants knowingly possessing a controlled substance and third-degree driving with a suspended license. $20,000 bond or $2,000 cash bail through District Court. Nov. 21 Tristen Allen Barber, 22, second-degree assault strangulation, domestic violence; unlawful imprisonment; fourth-degree assault, domestic...
Colfax Police COLFAX—The Colfax Police reported the following incidents from Nov. 4 to Nov. 19 Nov. 4 11:29 a.m.- Agency assistance East Harrison Street. 2:56 p.m.- Harassment East 8th Street. Nov. 5 10:33 a.m.- Non-injury incident North Main Street. Nov. 6 11:12 a.m.- Animal problem, complaint North Riverside Lane. 11:46 a.m.- Agency assistance South Main Street. Nov. 7 10:13 a.m.- Theft West Fairview Street. 10:59 a.m.- Credit card found on the sidewalk 418 South main Street, 2. Nov. 11 1:49 p.m.- Domestic dispute West B Avenue. Nov. 14...
Sheriff’s Office COLFAX—The Whitman County Sheriff’s Office responded to the following calls from Nov. 19 to Nov. 24 Nov. 19 1 a.m.- North Morton Street, Colfax. Abnormal behavior. 7:40 a.m.- West Westview Lane, St. John. Civil standby. 8:53 a.m.- East Main Street, Palouse. Public program. 11:26 a.m.- U.S. Highway 195, Uniontown. Custodial interference. 11:58 a.m.- 411 North Mill Street, Colfax. Sex offender registration. 12:51 p.m.- Steptoe Street, Guardian Angel School, Colton. DARE. 1:54 p.m.- Dusty Road, LaCrosse. Breathing...
Land Transactions COLFAX—The Whitman County Assessor’s Office reported the following land transactions from Nov. 15 to Nov. 19 Nov. 15 Pullman Progress One L.L.C., of Pullman, 805 NE Terre View Drive, Pullman, to Schweitzer Center, LLC, of Pullman, assessed value $3,677,278, Nov. 18 Linda Stanfield, of Spokane, agriculture classified udner current use chapter, Whitman County, to Gerty Farms, LLC, of Palouse, 2-0000-4516-03-4490, $248,200. Gregory and Carolyn Struble, of Bedford, Texas., 315 East Poplar Street, Colfax, to Gregory and...
strong>Marriage LicensesMarriage Licenses COLFAX—The Whitman County Auditor’s Office issued the following wedding licenses from Nov. 20 Nov. 20 Parker Cheyenne Marshall, 27, of Colfax; to Margaret Mae Edwards, 28, of...
District Court COLFAX—Whitman County District Court reported the following criminal case dispositions from Nov. 22 Nov. 22 Madison Sickels was found guilty of third-degree theft, therefore has seven days of jail with credit for zero days served. The defendant has a total of $1543 in fees and must pay the total restitution of $1,000 by Dec. 5, 2024 and all remaining financial obligations by Feb. 28, 2025. Defendant has probation for 24 months, with a $25 monthly probation fee unless the fee is reduced by the probation department. The...
