Structural damage found in Public Service Building

After learning an inspection found severe structural damage localized in two sections of the Public Service Building in Colfax, Whitman County Commissioners approved a resolution Monday for funds for emergency repairs.

In response to concerns raised by county staff, Evan Laubach of Reliant Engineering was hired to evaluate the building's structural integrity July 17. Laubach discovered a pair of hazardous, structurally inadequate areas in the building and reported his findings to county officials.

According to Laubach, an 14x8-foot section of the floor and subfloor located near the building's...