Public Health receives award

COLFAX — Whitman County Public Health has received a federal challenge prize to aid its efforts in combating algae blooms in the Lower Snake River.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded $250,000 through its Small Communities Big Challenges Competition, targeting public health needs in rural areas. Whitman County Public Health received $27,500 for its algae bloom response initiative.

Over recent summers, algae blooms have degraded the river’s water quality, leading the local agency to issue health alerts.

In September 2023, the Whitman County Health Department issued a health alert d...