Kirkpatrick announces retirement

COLFAX – Whitman County Library Director Kristie Kirkpatrick announced she will retire after 33 years with the library district. Having served 21 years as the director, Kirkpatrick is set to retire Oct. 1.

Kirkpatrick started her library service as the manager of the Rosalia branch in 1988.

Over the years she saw and helped spearhead major improvements in technology, especially internet connection. Library partnerships included First Step Internet, St. John Telephone, Pioneer Telephone, the Port of Whitman, the Washington State Library and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation which provided a...