Schools ask for more local funding as state tightens

Cuts and the possibility of more cuts in state funding have prompted five school districts in Whitman County to increase their levy requests.

Colfax, Endicott, Oakesdale, St. John and Colton are all asking voters in their districts for increases in their maintenance and operations levies. Ballots are scheduled to be mailed out Thursday for arrival to the voters by the Jan. 27 deadline.

A total of 10 levy proposals are going in front of Whitman County voters Feb. 14. In addition to the previously mentioned districts, levies will be on the ballot for Tekoa, Pullman, Steptoe, Colton and Rosalia s...