September 11, 2024
September 11, 2024
RITZVILLE — The local 9th Legislative District senator was released on his own recognizance Saturday night, Aug. 31, after being arrested for allegedly driving drunk and hitting two other vehicles. Sen. Mark Schoesler, 67, of Ritzville, was arrested by citation for driving while under the influence of alcohol following the Saturday night performance of the Ritzville Rodeo. According to Police Chief Dave McCormick, he had a blood-alcohol level of 0.14 at the time of his arrest. The citation will be referred to Adams County District Court,...
COLFAX — An Oregon man pled guilty during Superior Court, Friday, Aug. 30, to leading Whitman County Sheriff’s Deputies on a high speed car chase in Colfax. Gordon, Jr. Griffin, 41, of McMinnville, Ore., pled guilty to attempting to elude a police vehicle, possession of a controlled substance and possession of cocaine. Superior Court Judge Gary Libey said the state moved to dismiss the other charges of third-degree driving with a suspended license and two counts of first degree assault. According to public record, Whitman County...
COLFAX - The fair is just around the corner and another year of the annual Palouse Empire Threshing Bee is in the books, leaving a harvested field for trailers to park during fair festivities. Horses and teamsters gathered to bring history to the fairgrounds, Sunday, Sept. 1, as a crowd of people gathered around to watch. Palouse Threshing Bee Association Secretary Jessica Erickson said despite the heat, the morning harvest went well, with all their equipment working. "We got rained out last...
COLFAX — A homeless Pullman who allegedly held a woman against her will pled not guilty to all charges in Superior Court. In a Superior Court arraignment Friday, Aug. 30, James S. Olson, 33, of Pullman pled not guilty to charges of domestic violence, residential burglary, third degree assault and a resisting arrest misdemeanor. Superior Court Judge Gary Libey, read the charges and accepted the state’s recommendation to sign a pre-trial no contact order. Libey said the pre-trial contact order requires Olson to not have any direct contact...
PALOUSE — Residents have come to the rescue of Shady Lane trees on Shady Lane being attacked by an infestation of Western Pine Beetles. Palouse City Administrator Misty La Follett said a couple of residents applied for a grant from the Department of Natural Resources to fight the pine beetles. Local residents, husband and wife, Al Pancoast and Kayla Johnston noticed Shady Lane trees were starting to die and contacted the city. Pancoast said the grant came out to just over $100,000 to restore the forest. “It’s a grant for the removal of...
PULLMAN — The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) have honored the City of Pullman with the 2023 Excellence Award for Best City Project. The accolade recognizes the successful completion of the Arterial Streets Resurfacing 2020 project on Pioneer Hill, finalized in 2021. The Arterial Streets Resurfacing project, carried out by prime contractor Motley-Motley, Inc., involved resurfacing 1.3 miles of deteriorated streets on Pioneer Hill. The project utilized a cost-effective...
PULLMAN — The Pullman City Council convened Tuesday, Aug. 27, to discuss the establishment of a Transportation Benefit District (TBD) and the potential for a 0.1% sales tax increase to fund critical transportation projects. The meeting featured extensive public comments, including strong advocacy for improved pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. Mike Urban, Director of Finance & Administrative Services, outlined the rationale behind the TBD, noting its potential to generate funds for various transportation needs, including road repairs...
PULLMAN — The Environmental Resilience Commission will hold its next meeting at 3 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 6, in Council Chambers, City Hall, 190 SE Crestview Street, Building A. The meeting will include roll call, approval of minutes from the previous session and a review of the City Council’s recent updates and the Commission’s 2024 objectives. During the Friday, Aug. 2, meeting, the Commission discussed several important matters, including updates from the July 30 City Council meeting, where resolutions on cost distribution to the...
PULLMAN — The Civil Service Commission convened for a special meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 4, at 8 a.m. in the City of Pullman Council Chambers. Commission Chair Nathan Deen led the session, and Commissioner Milford Hodge was present. The meeting occurred after press time, and outcomes will be reported in another publication of the Whitman County Gazette. The Sept. 4 agenda includes considering and approving several new job announcements. The Commission will review and vote on the Fire Lieutenant Internal Promotional Process and Job...
COLFAX - Practice is underway and the first match of the season is right around the corner for the Colfax volleyball team. Last season, the Bulldogs went 20-4 on their way to become district champions, second in the Northeast 2B league and placed third at the state tournament. The team is led by Head Coach Megan Dorman, assisted by Allie Cofer and Amy Simmons. This is Dorman's second year as the Colfax head coach. She has an overall record of 38-7. "Our goal for this season is to be competitive...
COLFAX — The Colfax cross country team will look to build on last season’s success as all athletes ended the season with personal records last year. Head Coach Jennifer Cooper is in her third year coaching and said her team has shown great strength in terms of attitude. “These kids have a positive attitude toward running and working hard,” Cooper said. “They are encouraging to others on their team as well as other athletes.” Cooper is assisted by Krista Boyd. The team graduated just one senior last season in Destiny Nelson. The...
PALOUSE - The Garfield-Palouse Vikings have a strong group of cross country runners this season, and the team is primed to have a successful season. The program is coached by Chris Cook and Corey Laughary, assisted by Cody Kritzeck. Last season, the girls team took first place at the 1B/2B Regional meet, second place at the State Meet and was WIAA State Academic Champions. The boys team took second place at the 1B/2B Regional meet, fifth place at State and was also WIAA State Academic...
Thursday, Sept. 5 Rodeo – Palouse Empire Fair PRCA Rodeo, 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6 Football — Colfax at Lake Roosevelt in Coulee Dam, Wash., 7 p.m. Football — Garfield-Palouse vs. Liberty Christian in Palouse, 7 p.m. Football — St. John-Endicott/LaCrosse vs. Soap Lake in St. John, 7 p.m. Rodeo — Palouse Empire Fair PRCA Rodeo, 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7 Rodeo — Palouse Empire Rodeo Association Local Rodeo, 7 p.m. Football — Tekoa-Rosalia vs. Entiat in Rosalia, 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 9 Cross Country — Colfax at Josh Wright Memorial...
OLYMPIA – Smile, you’re on body camera. Beginning in September, 152 state Department of Fish and Wildlife law enforcement officers will be wearing body cameras to improve accountability and transparency, according to department officials. Game wardens who are commissioned law enforcement officers will be wearing the cameras, as will others with law enforcement certification. The cameras cost $915,000, officials said, noting the money was allocated by the Legislature during the 2023-25 supplemental operating budget process. “This program...
ST. JOHN — The St. John-Endicott/LaCrosse volleyball team is back to continue building on a strong 2023 season. Veteran Head Coach Jenn Johnson leads the team for her ninth season, assisted by Zoe Bailey. The Eagles finished last season with a record of 10-2, taking eighth place at State. The team lost some key players to graduation, including Julia Guske, Cami Larsen, Kenzie Stanley and Kaitlyn Hough who went on to further her volleyball career at Linfield University in McMinnville, Ore. “Our goals are to continue building a strong...
ROSALIA - The Tekoa-Rosalia Timberwolves volleyball team retained most of their roster from last season and will be looking to improve its notches in the win column. Last season, the Timberwolves had six wins, double from the year before with three. That success is something Head Coach Sara Chase would like to keep building on for her team. "Our goal for the season is to increase our offensive strength and speed," Chase said. "And to make it to district playoffs." Chase is in her second year as...
PULLMAN — The future of the Pullman Aquatic Center is in question as local governments work to resolve funding issues. The indoor pool, located on Military Hill next to Pullman High School, is owned by the Pullman School District and managed by the City of Pullman. The district pays the city approximately $100,000 annually for using the facility, which includes high school swim team practices and meets. The city and the district share the costs of repairing the pool. The Pullman School District currently faces a significant budget...
PALOUSE - Palouse Days is just around the corner bringing another year of community fun and camaraderie next weekend. A Kickoff Party with live music at the Palouse Caboose at 7 p.m. will set the weekend of fun into motion Friday, Sept. 12. Following Friday night music comes the Lion's Club annual pancake breakfast starting at 6:20 a.m. - 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 14, in Hayton Green Park, 102 Idaho Road. Starting at 9 a.m. through 3 p.m. attendees also have the chance to view the Palouse...
PULLMAN — The Downtown Pullman Association (DPA) is seeking applications for a new executive director following the departure of Mallory Nash, who is moving to the Downtown Walla Walla Foundation in the same role. Nash, who has led the DPA since July, will assist with the transition to her successor over the coming weeks. The application process is open and will remain so until the position is filled. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt. The DPA website provides a detailed job description, including organizational structure,...
ST. JOHN - A long-time third generation St. John farmer and veteran was recognized for his service in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, receiving a Quilt of Valor. Louis White, 91, of Spokane Valley, received a quilt honoring his time served from the Greater Spokane Valley Quilts of Valor group. Born and raised in St. John, Wash., White joined the United States Army ROTC program in college in 1952. "I graduated as a commission officer from Eastern Washington College of Education," said...
A few days ago, I returned from a trip to Akron, Ohio, my hometown and the former “Rubber Capital of the World.” Like many young adults, my future seemed a “given.” Like my parents and grandparents before me, of course I’d stay in town and eventually be interred at Holy Cross Cemetery. In my certitude, I neglected to consider what John Lennon once acutely observed: Life is what happens when you’re making other plans. In my late 20s, I left Akron, and made my way to Washington, DC, Knoxville, Tenn., and Seattle before reconnecting...
Pullman Regional Hospital Rory Alice Gruell, a girl, was born Aug. 19, 2024 to parents Terver and Madison Gruell, of Lewiston. She weighed 9 pounds, 12 ounces. Paternal Grandparents are Lee and Michelle Gruell, of Lewiston. Maternal Grandparents are David and Carith Atwood, of Lewiston. Thomas Eritt Paul, a boy, was born Aug. 19, 2024, to parents Jadah Goffic and Tristan Paul, of Pullman. He weighed 7 pounds, 13 ounces. Paternal Grandparents are Adrien Wilson, of Pullman and Heather Buxton, of Kelso. Maternal Grandparents are Jon and Michelle...
Colfax Thursday, Sept. 5 Beef pot roast, mashed potatoes with gravy, cooked carrots, green salad with tomatoes and cucumbers, birthday dessert cupcakes with ice cream. Monday, Sept. 9 Spaghetti with meat sauce, cabbage patch salad, mandarin oranges, ice cream. Thursday, Sept. 12 Shredded pork taco; chips, cheese, olives, tomatoes, salsa, sour cream; sliced pears; churros. Colton Wednesday, Sept. 11 Turkey bacon sandwich with lettuce and tomato, pasta salad with veggies, cottage cheese and pineapple, ice cream sandwich. Palouse Wednesday,...
Ronald Jay Robinson was born on August 1, 1942, in Colfax, Wash., to Ben and Agnes (McCormick) Robinson. He grew up working the family farm and attended school in Garfield, Wash. He joined the Army in 1959 and was stationed in Hanau, Germany, serving as an ordinance mechanic with the 814th Engineer Company. After the military, he worked for the Garfield Grange and joined Local 370 working in the Pacific Northwest. He had a job along the Snake River in Lewiston, Idaho, that was so hot the peanut...
James L. Haines, a devoted farmer from Colfax and a native of Lewiston, passed away peacefully after a brief stay at Cascadia Rehab in Lewiston. He was 94 years old. Born on March 14, 1930, in Lewiston, Idaho, Jim was the son of Marion "Bill" Haines, who established the Diamond Shop in Lewiston in 1926, and Wannie Rogers, a Colfax native whose father, Fred Rogers, was both a homestead farmer and a former mayor of Colfax. Jim spent his early years in Lewiston, embracing the abundant hunting and...
Friends and family are invited to Lester's Celebration of Life at 1 p.m. on Sept. 7, 2024, at Schmuck Park in Colfax. There will be a potluck following the Celebration. Guests are welcome to bring anything they would...
ROSALIA - A tragic love affair culminated in the murder of a Rosalia man in the early 1980s, when 20-year-old Richard Miller from Lewiston shot Glen D. Henning, 48, with a .22 caliber rifle. On Wednesday, October 7, 1981, just eight months after the fatal shooting, Miller was convicted of first-degree murder in Whitman County Superior Court. The incident occurred on January 8, when Henning was shot while attempting to retrieve a cookie sheet from the oven of a camper stored in an outbuilding on...
COLFAX – The Whitman County Sheriff’s Office responded to the following calls from Aug. 27 to Sept. 1: Aug. 27 10:42 a.m.- Wawawai Road milepost 29, Clarkston. 911 hang up. 2:16 p.m.- North Mill Street, Colfax. Fingerprints. 2:18 p.m.- West Wesley Street, Garfield. Welfare check. Deputy responded and contacted the subject. 4:58 p.m.- West A Avenue, Colfax. Assisted Colfax PD with a domestic dispute. 5:03 p.m.- SR 271, Rosalia. Traffic violation, received a report of a white quad cab pick-up passing multiple vehicles while vehicles were...
COLFAX — The Whitman County Jail reported the following individuals booked from Aug. 27 to Aug. 29: Aug. 27 8:14 a.m.- East Wawawai Street, Colfax. Suspicious person/circumstance. 4:20 p.m.- North West Street, Colfax. Unsecure premise. 4:58 p.m.- West A Avenue, Colfax. Domestic dispute. Aug. 28 3:43 a.m.- North Morton Street, Colfax. Suspicious person/circumstance. 5:29 p.m.- North Main Street, Colfax. Non-injury accident. 5:29 p.m.- North Main Street, Colfax. Non-injury accident. 5:55 p.m.- North Hauser Avenue, Colfax. Civil call. 6:21...
COLFAX—The Whitman County Jail reported the following individuals booked from Aug. 27 to Sept. 2: Aug. 27 Jaleel Robert Black, 38, drug paraphernalia use; possession with intent to deliver; possession of controlled substance, marijuana; warrant for possession of a controlled substance. Held without bail through Payette County District Court. Added charge, warrant compliance review hearing possession controlled substance by prisoner. $1,000 bond or $1,000 cash bail through Superior Court. Champo Mwela Chilambwe, 46, 2nd degree assault of a...
