News Briefs

Cow shot near Malden/Rosalia

ROSALIA— Investigation is underway to identify a person that shot a cow Friday, Sept. 2 on the Wiryick’s ranch.

“There’s a lot of rumors who did it,” said Jeff Wiryick, noting that the Sheriff’s station was looking into the culprits.

The lead investigator, Sheriff’s Deputy Randy Miller, was not available for comment before time of press.

Chamber hosts coats for kids drive, business classes

COLFAX — The Colfax Chamber of Commerce is hosting a drive to collect coats for kids through Oct. 21.

Yesterday, Wed, Sept. 14 the drive kicked off at the Bank of Eastern Washington, 803 North Main Street, and will continue to collect new or used coats through Friday Oct. 21.

The Colfax Chamber of Commerce is also hosting Startup Palouse which will present the opportunity to apply for free business classes at the Center, 104 South Main Street. Classes will be on Tues. and Thurs. from 4-6 p.m. Oct. 4 through Oct. 27.

Startup Palouse is giving aspiring business owners in Whitman, Garfield, Columbia, and Asotin Counties free business training.

At the end of training, participants will have the opportunity to present a business plan to a panel of local experts. Those that have an achievable business idea will be eligible for a $500 seed grant to help with basic start-up costs, as well as have access to free on-going business counseling.

To apply go to http://www.cie-nw.org/startup-palouse

Sept. 19, Colfax City Council meeting

COLFAX – The City of Colfax held their City Council meeting yesterday Monday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m.

At the meeting the Colfax Downtown Association gave a presentation on building a stage at Eells park in the future. The association wants to do movies in the park, a concession stand, and maybe a farmer’s marketplace. The location of Eells park was picked, because of its proximity to downtown.

The Association is considering a public survey to really get the project going.

Mayor Retzer mentioned future plans for an Arbor Day Proclamation where they would plant a couple trees.

Next on the agenda was the Pool Grant update. The city council was disappointed to say that they were not able to obtain the grant for the pool, but are not going to quit trying to make the improvements they have planned for the pool. Also that reapplication can be done again in a couple years.

Council members did state that they are still in the running for a youth facility grant of $350,000.

After discussion of the pool grant, members discussed committee, board, and commission reports. Colfax Police Interim Chief Bruce Blood stated that the police department is trying to get extra staffing to control traffic with all of the WSU games happening. Placing police officers by Fairview going by the hospital to stop those who were speeding was discussed.

Future events such as the drug take back at the Rosauers parking lot Oct. 28 was discussed. There will be an officer present at that. As well as extra officers patrolling on Halloween.

The fire department having full staff at the beginning of Oct. was also discussed.

The Colfax City Council meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

Crews restore water to residents after main break

PULLMAN – Water has been shut down after a major break in a water line at Center Street and Grand Avenue on Saturday, Sept. 17. Saturday afternoon there were flooded streets until crews were able to close the emergency valves. The stretch of Grand Avenue has been re-opened to all traffic, motorists should continue to proceed with caution through the area due to rough roads from the emergency repair, reports say.

The break occurred at the intersection across the street from the main fire station, water officials say. Crews report that the break occurred in an older section of pipe, impacting about a seven-foot section of pipe. Water also drained from the Charlie Brown water reservoir impacting a James Place reservoir, both have been replenished with water. Crews worked Saturday, through Sunday to repair the damaged section of pipe, which was repaired as of Sunday morning.

City officials recommend that those who experience lower water pressure, or dirty water, should boil water as a precaution. Chlorine has been increased in the water supply as a safety factor.

The city will continue to extract water samples, test water quality, and monitor the situation.

Palouse habitat for humanity taking applications

PALOUSE – Palouse Habitat for Humanity is accepting applications for the 2023 home in Palouse.

Deadline for applications is Monday, Oct. 10. Program information and application packets are available online at palousehabitat.org/apply, by visiting the Habitat office at 306 North Main Street in Moscow, or by contacting the Habitat office at 208-883-8502.

“Most of our applicants apply because they were encouraged by friends, family, bosses, co-workers,” Executive Director of Palouse Habitat, Jennifer Wallace said, “someone in their sphere of contact who urged them to make the leap. I’m hoping the community will help us get the word out, and encourage people they know to apply.”

Palouse Burn Ban Lifted

PALOUSE – The emergency burn ban for Palouse and Whitman County Fire District number 4 is officially lifted. Palouse City Ordinance 831 is still in effect in the City of Palouse. Please note that the National Weather Service is still predicting warmer and drier than average for the remainder of September for the area. The City encourages everyone to continue to be cautious with any fires and flammable materials in the area. The City appreciates cooperation.