Rural construction on up swing

Despite a national slump, rural Whitman County booked a solid third quarter of construction activity between July 1 and Sept. 30 of this year.

Dan Gladwill, county building official, reported Monday he had issued 71 building permits during the quarter – the same number he issued during third quarter 2008, which tied for the highest total for the decade.

Four of the permits were for new homes, the highest third quarter total since 2006, when five new homes were permitted.

Gladwill said the four houses permitted during the third quarter bring the 2009 total to 13, which is right around the avera...