News Briefs

Pullman Depot Ranked Sixth for Legislative Funding

PULLMAN – The Heritage Capital Project (HCP) Advisory Panel recommended a grant award of $237,000 for the Whitman County Historical Society in their Aug. 23 meeting to rank applications for funding in the 2023-25 biennium.

The grant award would be used for ongoing restoration of the Northern Pacific Railway Depot in Pullman. The award follows a similar award of $258,000 in the previous 2021-23 biennium. Masonry restoration began last year. Efforts funded by the recent grant will include roof replacement, window restoration, electrical upgrades, and restroom accessibility improvements.

Funding requires a two-thirds match, so the nearly half a million dollars of legislative appropriations require double that amount from other sources including private donations.

Library hosts new reading challenge

COLFAX – Whitman County Library is hosting a new reading challenge for all ages called Read Grateful, Sept. through Nov.

The library invites readers to practice expressing gratitude, and check out book titles to keep reading or be read to. Participants can log their books or audiobooks with Beanstack’s online t racking movile app or download to complete and earn badges. Readers of all ages are encouraged to earn five badges or more to complete fall reading through November.

All ages can participate in this challenge, and are encouraged to read new books and complete activities to earn badges.

The library is also hosting the ongoing 1,000 books before kindergarten challenge for families with children. The early literacy program recommends reading to babies, toddlers and preschoolers before they start kindergarten.

Register or download the beanstak app on yoru phone or device at http://www.whitcolib.org.

Carrie Coen Photography exibit open at Libey Gallery

COLFAX – The Libey Gallery invites the community to visit “The Hand Project” and Northwest Landscape Treasures” photography exhibits by local photographer, Carrie Coen. Gallery hours are M-F 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 1-5 p.m.

Coen is a native of the Pacific Northwest, growing up in Grangeville, Idaho. She currently works as the Chief

The stunning exhibits are on display now through Oct. 27 in The Center, 104 south main, adjacent to the Colfax library Chief Reliability Officer at Pullman Regional Hospital. When not working Coen can be found behind the lends of a camera taking photos of her home, the Palouse.

Coen’s seminal work for ‘The Hand Project” titled, “Still in Love,” was taken of a close friend, who had been diagnosed with cancer. He wanted to have something for his children after he was gone, but didn’t want a conventional portrait because of some disfigurement as a result of the cancer. Coen suggested taking hand photos, and that session and the resulting photo was so powerful, intimate and moving for her, that she was compelled to continue it.

The “Northwest Treasures” exhibit showcases landscape photos of the Palouse and surrounding areas. Coen connects with nature by seeking the solitude and beauty of the Palouse. Coen’s art has helped to heal her heart, and she wishes this exhibit helps bring healing to others as well.

Colfax city wide yard sale

COLFAX – Colfax Chamber of Commerce is hosting a City-wide yard sale Sept. 17. Individuals and businesses are welcome to register to be listed on the official map before Sept. 1. All are welcome to attend this Free, no host Event. There will be side walk sales on Main Street as well as organizations like the Hospital Auxiliary, and individuals selling their wares throughout the City. The official Map will be available at the chamber of commerce office and participating businesses the week of Sept. 12. For more information visit http://www.explorecolfax.com/registration. Official map: to be on the printed map you must regist your sale by Sept. 1, No exceptions. A small fee of $5 for individuals, $10 for organizations or businesses, or $20 for a logo listing, will be collected to help offset the costs of printing and advertising the sale.