Briefs: Jan. 11, 2017

DECEMBER LEFT HIGH WATER MARK

December 2017 saw almost an inch more water than normal. The last four days of the month added 2.24 to the otherwise dry month, according to readings at the NRCS gauge in Colfax. Prior to the end of the month snow and rain, there had only been 1.3 inches of precipitation in a month that averages 2.71. The wet ending of the year boosted December’s reading to 3.54 inches.

That made December the second wettest month of the year, coming in behind the 4.68 inches of precipitation in March. Total precipitation for 2017 came in at 24.56 at the NRCS office in Colfax, nearly three and a half inches more than 2016 which was 21.08 inches.

CITY SEEKS LETTER FOR SEAT

The City of Colfax is accepting letters of interest for anyone wanting to fill the council position No. 4 which was vacated by Sarah McKnight at the Jan 2 council session. The appointment will be for a two-year term ending in Dec. 2019. All council seats are at-large, so the only requirements to apply are that applicants be registered to vote and have lived within Colfax city limits for at least one year. Anyone wishing to apply should submit a letter of interest to City Clerk Lynda Kramlich no later than Feb. 8. Contact city hall for any questions.

SEAT SWITCH NETS ARREST

Krystal Baker, Pullman, made a preliminary appearance in superior court Jan. 3 after being arrested for possession with intent to deliver, driving with a suspended license and obstruction of law enforcement.

Baker was pulled over by Palouse Police Officer Joe Handley near SR 27 and Tidwell Road for expired tabs. After the vehicle pulled over and stopped, Handley observed the driver and passenger switch seats. He approached Baker and informed her she was under arrest for obstruction. Whitcom confirmed her license was suspended in Washington and Idaho.

Handley also found five oxycodone pills in her wallet and four more in her purse. Baker said the pills had been given to her by a person who told her to hang onto them until that person came to pick them up later that night. Bail was set at $1,000 surety or $100 cash. Baker is scheduled for an arraignment hearing Jan. 12.

ARRESTED FOR BURGLARY

Drew Filan, 27, LaCrosse, was arrested in Pullman at 12:44 a.m. Jan. 3 for driving with a suspended license, obstruction, burglary, malicious mischief and negligent driving.

Pullman Officer Shane Emerson responded to a call of trespassing at an apartment on Northwood Drive.

The reporting party said Filan had entered the apartment, broke some belongings and left in a green Saturn.

Filan appeared to be drunk at the time.

When Emerson located and pulled over the Saturn, he saw the driver, who was the only occupant of the vehicle, move to the passenger seat.

He approached the car where Filan was talking on her phone and refused to roll down the window or open the door.

She told Emerson she had not been driving and had not done anything wrong.

When asked for her name, she replied, “I’m sad.” Filan was removed from the vehicle and Emerson reported the strong odor of intoxicants on her breath.

Filan was released on her own recognizance.

ROLLOVER ACCIDENT ON SR-127

A single vehicle rollover accident happened 29 miles south of Colfax Dec. 30 on State Route 127.

In icy road conditions, a 1998 Ford Expedition driven by April L. Rogers of Pomeroy lost control and slid into the northbound ditch, rolling onto the driver’s side. The driver was injured, along with passenger Scott W. Schneider of Pomeroy.

The accident occurred at 7:50 a.m. in clear weather.

JUMPING INTO TRAFFIC

A WSU bus driver reported a man jumping into traffic south of Colfax on State Route 195 in the 7 p.m. hour New Year’s Day. The driver said he saw the man walking toward Colfax, wearing dark clothing, before he jumped out into the road near milepost 31. Colfax Police Officer Matt Malakowsky responded, but was unable to locate a suspect.

Colfax CITY COUNCIL ASSIGNMENTS

Committee assignments were voted on Tuesday night, Jan. 2, for the Colfax City Council. For the Public Finance committee, Crystn Guenthner will serve with Crystal Christopherson and Al Vorderbrueggen. For Public Safety, its Guenthner, Blaine Golden and Tom Huntwork. Golden will also be on the Public Works committee with Guenthner and Jim Kackman, and the Personnel committee will consist of Vorderbrueggen, Kackman and Huntwork. The city council Parks Board liaison is Vorderbrueggen. Serving on the Economic Development, Tourism and Events Commission will be Christopherson. Kackman was selected as Mayor Pro-Tem, succeeding Vorderbrueggen.

KINZER NAMED CHAIRMAN OF COMMISSIONERS

Dean Kinzer took over as chairman of the Whitman County Commissioners Tuesday, Jan. 2, to start the new year.

Kinzer succeeds Art Swannack for the year-long term. Michael Largent is the new vice chairman, while Swannack continues as a regular board member. This will be the second term as chairman for Kinzer. Each commissioner’s committee assignments remain the same.