Bulletin Column

These reports are from the previous four issues of the Daily Bulletin in Colfax. They are reprinted here for the benefit of Gazette readers who reside outside of Colfax. Some accounts have been updated.

HOMECOMING PARADE TO RETURN

Colfax High School and Colfax Police are working on plans to return the downtown rally parade to the Bulldogs’ homecoming festivities. Police Chief Rick McNannay reported the parade route most likely will be on Mill Street which has been the site of most Colfax town parades, including the Christmas parade, in past years.

A parade on Main Street has been considered, but that requires a permit from the Department of Transportation, and the time for the process is probably too short, the chief said.

As an alternative, the students will walk up Mill Street for a rally on Spring Street next to the Bank of America.

Homecoming will be next week at the school. The downtown rally will be Friday, Oct. 19, early in the afternoon, according to Heidi Lowe, advisor.

JOSH CHASTAIN SENTENCED

Josh Chastain, 25, LaCrosse, was sentenced to 90 days in jail Friday after he admitted to a charge of second degree burglary. Chastain was allowed credit for time he has been in jail awaiting resolution of the case and allowed release. He was ordered to work off the balance of the sentence with public service work at the rate of eight hours for each day remaining.

The burglary charge relates to entry of the LaCrosse City swim pool Aug. 11 where Chastain took a cell phone and an iPod. He was ordered to pay a total of $550 in restitution to the owners of the missing items.

Chastain also pleaded guilty Friday to two misdemeanor charges, making false statements to deputies and third degree theft. He was sentenced to a year in jail, all suspended, on the misdemeanor charges.

Investigation reports said Chastain entered a residence on Clark Street in LaCrosse and took coins and cash from a safe. A restitution hearing has been slated for Nov. 9 to determine the amount due.

BANK OF

WHITMAN CASE

Nicholas S. DeCaro, 33, was booked into jail here Friday on an arrest warrant in a civil suit involving a 2010 default judgment to the Bank of Whitman. DeCaro was arrested by Spokane police last Thursday on the outstanding warrant and brought to jail here the next day.

The warrant was later quashed on a petition noting the Bank of Whitman has been replaced by Columbia Bank, and DeCaro was allowed release.

The arrest warrant was issued by the court Sept. 3, 2010, after attorneys for the bank said DeCaro failed to appear at a hearing for examination of his assets April 16, 2010. He was ordered to appear after Bank of Whitman received a default judgment against him for $5,715 due on a credit card account.

FIRE BAN IN PLACE UNTIL OCT. 15

A state-ordered ban on all outside burning has been extended until Monday, Oct. 15. The extension was ordered by Lt. Gov. Brad Owen who is serving as the state’s chief executive during the absence of Gov. Christine Gregoire.

Colfax Chief Ralph Walter said the ban includes all outside fires. The ban has been ordered under the state of emergency powers granted to the governor under state law. Walter noted it covers the entire state and can be enforced by any police officer.

ASSENBERG SEEKS DISMISSAL

Michael A. Assenberg, 52, filed a motion in superior court Friday for dismissal of charges of growing and delivery of marijuana. Assenberg was arrested May 4, 2011, after Quad Cities Drug Task Force members conducted a warrant search of his Colfax residence and said they seized 89 marijuana plants.

Assenberg in his request for dismissal Friday said he is a political activist and his marijuana growing operation was done under the state’s provision for medical marijuana. He contended he acted as a provider for medical marijuana patients.

Assenberg’s attorney, Doug Phelps of Spokane, filed notice they will present a defense based on medical necessity and entrapment.

Assenberg again waived his speedy trial rights.

WATER LINE LEAK

Colfax fire crews Sunday responded to a report of a water line leak at the Little League Field. The leak was caused by a broken supply pipe to a water fountain.

NEW SQUAD CAR ON LINE

The first of two Ford Explorer police cars is now on line with Officer Chris Olin, who worked to outfit the car, at the controls. The city police department has purchased two used Explorers to replace 1998 Ford Crown Victorias.

Police Chief Rick McNannay purchased the cars after receiving approval for the project from the city council. The police department had already budgeted $26,000 for the project.

The car now in operation is a 2003 Explorer which was purchased in Beaverton. The Fords were purchased from private parties and had to be outfitted for police service here.

Olin said the conversion work, which includes paint, lights and wiring and a containment cage in the rear passenger area, was done in the city’s garage across from the fire station. The Colfax Police lettering on the cars was done with vinyl graphics.

McNannay is now converting the second Explorer, a 2004 model, for police duty. It was purchased from a private seller in Portland.

PULLMAN FIRE DESTROYS

APARTMENT

A fire Wednesday, Oct. 3, destroyed one apartment in the three-unit building on Ridgeline Drive in the Military Hill section of Pullman. A neighbor called in the alarm shortly after 5 p.m. When Pullman and District 12 firefighters arrived at the scene black smoke was billowing from both the front and back of the building and within minutes the smoke turned to flames that could be seen for several blocks. Fire Captain James Turpin said firefighters worked to confine the fire to one apartment after they made sure no one was inside.

Pullman Fire Prevention Officer Rich Dragoo said the fire was started by a pan of oil on a burner in a kitchen. Dragoo said the apartment was a total loss with fire, smoke and water damage on both floors of the apartment.

The American Red Cross is taking care of housing for the family of three and their dog.