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.

WSP reports collisions

On Monday, Jan. 7, about 10:30 a.m., Washington State Patrol reported that Meng Wang of Pullman was traveling westbound on State Route 26 when he lost control on the snow and slush-covered roadway about 13 miles west of Colfax. His 2003 Subaru Legacy crossed over the centerline, left the roadway and struck a fence. He was not injured.

On SR-127, almost 25 miles south of Colfax, Jacky J. Mitchell, Walla Walla, was driving northbound on Sunday, Jan. 6, at 3:30 p.m. when he lost control while rounding a curve. His 1999 Acura CL crossed the centerline and came to rest in the southbound ditch. He was not injured.

Bad weekend for animals

Washington State Patrol reported three non injury collisions over the weekend.

On Saturday night, almost 22 miles west of Colfax on State Route 26, Larisarae L. Sitzes, Kennewick, was westbound in a 2002 Pontiac Grand Am when several deer started to cross the road. She was unable to avoid them and struck a deer.

About 26 miles north of Colfax on SR-195 about 5 a.m. Sunday, Kevin G. Freitag of Maple Valley was traveling northbound in his 2008 Toyota Tundra when he struck an elk as it was crossing the road.

On Sunday night at 8:40 p.m., a little more than 16 miles west of Colfax on SR-26, David M. Tobin of Pullman was eastbound in his 2006 Hyundai TIB when a dog ran in front of the vehicle and the driver was unable to avoid it and struck the dog.

Colton man jailed on several charges

Early Saturday morning, Jan. 5, Whitman County deputies arrested 25-year-old Kerry E. Morrison of Colton for possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver.

Morrison was wanted in connection with a Pullman burglary that occurred in December of 2012.

Morrison was arrested when Sgt. Cooper observed Morrison at the Tesoro gas station on North Grand in Pullman. Sgt. Cooper contacted Morrison and placed him under arrest for his alleged involvement with the Pullman burglary.

Upon searching Morrison, the deputy located packaged methamphetamine, a digital scale and money in his possession. Morrison was booked into the Whitman County Jail on charges of residential burglary, malicious mischief and possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.

Morrison had his first appearance Monday afternoon in Whitman County Superior Court.

Sidewalk snow removal reminder

Residents are reminded that clearing the sidewalks in front of their property is the owner’s responsibility, according to Carl Thompson, city administrator. Thompson said Monday the present snow is supposed to be followed by rain and then freezing temperatures, so it is particularly important to clear the city sidewalks.

Association sponsors dinner

The Whitman County Landlord-Tenant Association is sponsoring a dinner with Small Claims Court Judge Doug Robinson, today, Thursday, Jan. 10, at 5:30 p.m. at the Fireside Grille on Bishop Boulevard in Pullman.

The cost is $20 and anyone interested in attending is asked to RSVP because seating is limited.

Call Anita, (509) 332-8602, or Jeanette, (509) 332-2255, or email anita.hornback@gmail.com

Colfax Police Log

On Jan. 1, Richard Scoles was arrested for allegedly assaulting his sister. He was booked into the Whitman County Correctional Facility for fourth degree assault/domestic violence.

On Jan. 1, officers responded to Westside Pizza in response to a report of someone calling in false orders for pizzas. Officers are investigating leads and will be pursuing charges of theft.

On Jan. 2, a person in the 100 block of North West Street reported that someone had untied her pug dog and removed it from her yard. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police department.

On Jan. 2, an officer was dispatched to Paul’s Place in response to a report of an assault. The suspect was contacted and warned about her behavior.

On Jan. 2, a person came to the police department to report that someone had used her ATM card to withdraw money from her account. Officers are working with the bank to obtain surveillance photos which they will use to identify the suspect.

On Jan. 3, Colfax High School conducted a “lock-down drill” to review procedures in the event of a school involved incident. The drill was monitored by Colfax police and fire departments and went off without incident. Information gathered will be used to improve and/or modify existing procedures.

On Jan. 4 at a little after midnight, officers responded to a report of a missing person from Paul’s Place. The individual was located at Ace Hardware trying to purchase a bus ticket.

On Jan. 5 at about 10 p.m., officers responded to a residence on the 1500 block of Cedar Street in response to a report of a burglary. The resident reported cash, antique coins, Harley Davidson collector knives along with several firearms missing. A method of entry into the residence was not apparent and it is suspected that the thieves had keys. A list of suspects has been developed and officers are actively working this case.

On Jan. 7 at about 10 a.m., officers responded to a report of a possible collision scene involving a truck and a utility pole. Further investigation showed that a pickup truck driven by Lisa Doney of Colfax slid on the snow-covered roadway and struck the utility pole at the intersection of Clay and Harrison streets. Doney was not injured in the accident, but her 1984 Toyota pickup was totaled. Doney was cited for operating a motor vehicle without insurance.

WSP reports four non-injury collisions

Washington State Patrol reported four non-injury collisions between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day and one with minor injuries Jan. 2.

On Dec. 25 at 6:30 a.m., Thomas C. Grider, 57, Clarkston, was northbound 6.5 miles south of Colfax in a 1997 Mercury Mountaineer on SR 195 when he lost control on the ice, snow and frost covered roadway. He crossed the centerline and entered the southbound ditch, coming to rest in a field. He was wearing a seatbelt.

Patrick Keopanapay, 54, Pullman, was heading eastbound on SR-26 2.3 miles east of Colfax in his 1998 Nissan Pathfinder on Dec. 25 when he lost control on the snow and ice-covered roadway. He slid off the eastbound side of the road and down an embankment, rolling onto the driver’s side. He was not injured.

On Dec. 26, Michael D. Venneri, Spokane, was traveling northbound on SR-127 27 miles southwest of Colfax when the 2007 Cadillac STS he was driving lost control on ice, snow and slush-covered roadway, crossed the centerline, came back across the northbound lane, into the northbound ditch and over an embankment. He was unhurt.

Hayden R. Yeomans, Puyallup, was traveling southbound on SR-195 three miles north of Colfax, on Jan. 1 at 2:03 a.m., when the 2002 Volkswagen Jetta he was driving drifted to the left. He over-corrected, slid across the southbound lane into the ditch where the Jetta rolled onto its top. The road conditions were bare and dry, and the weather was clear.

On Wednesday, Jan. 2, at 2:10 p.m., Elyssa E. Spencer, Lewiston, was in a 1998 Honda Accord 20 miles south of Uniontown attempting to make a left turn onto Red Wolf Bridge and struck a concrete barrier. Spencer suffered a head bump and a passenger, Dwayne D. Grogan Jr., Clarkston, had an injury to his chest area, but neither one was transported to the hospital.

CHS ASB blood drive Jan. 11

Colfax High School ASB is hosting a blood drive on Friday, Jan. 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the high school.

Students must be at least 16 years old and weigh at least 120 pounds to donate. If the student is 16 or 17, they will need to have a parental permission slip returned to school on or before Jan. 11.

All donors need a driver’s license or picture ID on them to donate blood. Sign up in the office, or through the ASB.

Parent permission slips are available in the office.

WSP reports non injury accident

A 17-year-old girl from Port Ludlow was not injured in an accident four miles north of Pullman. The 2005 Pontiac Aztek she was driving was going southbound on State Route-195 when she lost control after passing another vehicle. The driver attempted to re-enter the southbound lane, crossed over that lane and shoulder, and the Pontiac came to rest on its top in the ditch.