State hands down half million for area schools

Seven schools in Whitman County have been granted a total of $502,712 from the state to make repairs to their buildings.

The office of Randy Dorn, state Superintendent of Public Instruction, announced Monday grant awards to Colfax, Endicott, Garfield, LaCrosse, Lamont, Rosalia and Tekoa schools.

The local schools were part of a 62-school, $5 million grant award throughout the state.

Funding came from the Urgent Repair Grant program, which was created by the Legislature to fund repairs and renovations that relate to student health and safety.

More than $12 million was requested by 108 school di...