Bulletin column - Dec. 17, 2009

Toybox start serves 137 kids

Families with a count of 137 youngsters have been served by the Fireman’s Toybox program as of 10 a.m. Monday morning. Families are provided with an invitation through DSHS to participate in the program.

Jane Roberts, coordinator of the project, noted the Toybox is marking its 25th year of operation. She said the project began with local fire volunteers shopping at Fonk’s in Colfax. This year, Huber Action Freight donated hauling of pallets of toys which were purchased from Shopko in Lewiston after the store offered an extensive discount for the project. Shopping was done in Lewiston Dec. 9.

Three trustees from the Whitman County jail helped set up the Toybox store in the fire station Saturday.

Roberts stressed the project can use donations throughout the year. This year, because of a state funding bind, the Toybox had to provide postage for the 387 letters sent out to needy families in the county. Families who respond participate in the project.

The toybox had a big response Monday when it opened for business. Operations continued through Wednesday.

Report Highway 26 accidents

Two people were hurt Dec. 12 in a collision of pickup trucks at Dusty at 9:28 a.m. Duane Goodenow, 46, Endicott, driver of one of the pickups sustained lacerations, and Nicole R. Overman, 24, Benton City, a passenger in the other pickup, sustained bumps and bruises, according to the Washington State Patrol report.

The report said Goodenow in a 1998 Dodge Dakota, drove from Highway 127 onto Highway 26 in front of a 1994 Ford R10 pickup which was being driven eastbound on Highway 26 by Cory T. Overman, 25, Pullman. The trucks collided in the eastbound lane of Highway 26.

Samantha Buxton, 22, Gig Harbor, was taken to Whitman Hospital Dec. 13 for a check of possible neck injuries after she lost control of a 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe 8.18 miles west of Colfax at 10:05 a.m. The Washington State Patrol report said she was driving westbound and lost control of the Hyundai in snow conditions. It slid across the oncoming lane and rolled onto its top in the eastbound ditch.

Peggy Hibbs, 48, Clarkston, was unhurt at 3:06 p.m. Dec. 12 when she lost control of a 2003 Suzuki Vitara just north of Colton. She was driving southbound in snow and slush, lost control of the car which slid into the southbound ditch and struck an embankment.

Colfax driver hurt

William W. Skelton, 61, Colfax, sustained shoulder and abdominal injuries Dec. 11 when the 2006 Suzuki GV4D he was driving struck a pickup truck on Main Street. According to the Washington State Patrol report, Skelton turned north onto Main Street from Thorn Street at 6:18 p.m. and struck an unoccupied 1984 Chevrolet pickup which was legally parked about 100 feet north of the intersection. The truck was registered to Koleman Eades of Colfax.

Bond set on drug suspect

A $25,000 bail sum for pre-trial release of Jose Valdovinos-Perez, suspect in a major drug arrest at Pullman last week, was set Dec. 9 in superior court. Jail officials have also received an immigration service hold on the suspect.

Perez was arrestedthe night of Dec. 9 after Quad Cities Drug Task Force officers conducted a warrant search of the mobile home on NW Fisk Street where he was residing.

An arrest report filed in court said officers found three pounds of marijuana in a closet and one third of a pound of cocaine, still in brick form. A digital scale, plastic baggies and $5,000 in cash were also allegedly found in the search.

Officers said they had received a report from an informant that a supplier known as “Flaco” has been selling cocaine in Pullman. They said they conducted three undercover purchases of half ounce portions of cocaine and then applied for the search warrant.

The report said the suspect, who was interviewed with the assistance of a Spanish speaking member of the Moscow Police Department, denied he was an illegal immigrant. Formal charges, including three counts of delivery of cocaine and one count each of possession of marijuana and cocaine were filed by Deputy Proscecutor Dan LeBeau Monday. Arraignment was set for Friday.

Contractor answers PRH suit

An answer to the suit involving alleged faults with the construction of Pullman Regional Hospital was filed Dec. 11 in Whitman County Superior Court by attorneys representing Lydig Construction of Spokane. The response alleged the hospital failed to comply with dispute resolution provisions which were included in the 2003 contract for the project.

The response also alleged others involved in the project, including the architect, engineers and subcontractors, were at fault for any losses sustained as a result of alleged faulty construction.

Filed last Jan. 30, the suit contends the hospital encountered problems with flooring and carpeting because of a fault in pouring of the subfloor. The complaint alleges a layer of sand, designated in the plans, was never placed below the poured subfloor. A demand for mediation was filed after the hospital filed the suit.

Lydig’s response asks the court to dismiss the suit and award the company costs.

Cain park to get electricity

Crews this week were slated to extend electrical service into Maggie Cain Park along Highway 195 at the Sixth Street entrance to the North Flat. City crews this summer removed shrubs from the park and planted grass. Public Works Director Andy Rogers acquired a power pole through a donation and has arranged for Avista crews to bring power across the street to the pole.

The Chamber of Commerce has asked the city to extend electricity to the park for Christmas lighting. City Councilman David Nails has also suggested a sign listing Colfax sports titles could be installed in the park.