July 26, 2024

  • Superior Court Judge candidates speak at forum

    Teresa Simpson, Whitman County Gazette

    PULLMAN - Superior Court candidates met at the Neill Public Library to answer the public's questions during a forum hosted by the League of Women Voters on Monday, July 22. Candidates running in the August 6, Primary Election for Superior Court Judge are Jenna Brozik, Steve Martonick and Roger Sandberg. Cards were left for attendees to write questions and then were asked by a moderator who allowed each candidate two minutes to speak. Questions asked ranged from qualities of a Superior Court...

  • Colfax's Summerfest event this weekend

    Teresa Simpson, Whitman County Gazette

    COLFAX — Summerfest is back again for another year, with a weekend of family festivities and fun planned. Festivities will take place on Saturday, July 27 starting at 10 a.m., with all day activities. Chamber of Commerce President Gary Young said that several events will happen on Friday, July 26, including a chance to learn swing dance at the Eagles for free. Activities for all ages start at 10 a.m. on July 27, including bouncy houses, Otter Pops and giveaways hosted by the First Baptist Church, 200 North Mill Street. The Summerfest Main...

  • High speed car chase results in crash

    Teresa Simpson, Whitman County Gazette

    COLFAX — Two Whitman County Sheriff’s Deputies were led on a high speed car chase in Colfax, ending in a crash on Friday, July 19. According to public record, Whitman County Sheriff’s Deputy Joseph Handley and Whitman County Sgt. Keith Cooper were patrolling at 1:14 a.m., July 19, when they noticed a red Subaru legacy with Oregon license plates driving up and down Main Street for approximately 15 minutes. The driver later identified as Ronald Gordon, Jr., Griffin, 41, of McMinnville, Ore., turned on Stevens Street and the northbound...

  • August Primary Election on the horizon

    Teresa Simpson, Whitman County Gazette

    COLFAX - Ballots for the Tuesday, August 6, Primary Election are en route or in the hands of voters. In this year's primary election there are five local candidates. Three candidates are vying for Whitman County Superior Court Judge, a four year term. Jenna Brozik, Presiding Judge Pro Tem Colfax Municipal Court and owner and managing attorney of Prinz and Brozik PLLC, is running. Brozik has practiced law since 2010, in civil litigation and criminal law. "Of all the candidates, I have...

  • Fairgrounds receive grant funding

    Teresa Simpson, Whitman County Gazette

    COLFAX - The Palouse Empire Fair was awarded a grant of $2,500 through AgWest to finish their Swine Barn Improvements. AgWest Relationship Manager III/VP Ryan Kile said that the grant came through their rural grant program. Palouse Empire Fair Manager Ashley Reisenauer said that the money was used for rebuilding a new swine barn office in the swine barn. The new office was finished by fairground staff on Monday, July 22. "We purchased all of the lumber and materials last week and constructed,"...

  • Charges against deputy's wife dismissed

    Teresa Simpson, Whitman County Gazette

    COLFAX — A case concerning a Whitman County Sheriff’s Office deputy’s wife was dismissed. Jessica Pelissier, 36, was arrested on Saturday, July 13 for allegedly slapping her husband twice, according to reports. Pelissier was booked on charges of fourth-degree assault and third-degree malicious mischief at 3:06 a.m. on July 14 and released on her own recognizance at 6:20 p.m. on Monday, July 15, records show. According to court records Whitman County District Court Judge John Hart recused himself from the case, which was passed onto...

  • Spray trial date moved to Dec. 2

    Teresa Simpson, Whitman County Gazette

    COLFAX — A local man facing murder charges for allegedly strangling his estranged wife has had his trial date moved to Dec. 2. During a court hearing Friday, July 19, Jacob Erik Spray, 36, was charged with the murder of his wife, Jamie Wilson-Spray, 25, who was found deceased in a trailer March 26, at Sevdy’s, 605 N.W. Fish St. According to reports, Spray waived his right to a speedy trial when prosecutors changed his charge from second-degree murder, to first-degree murder. The trial date was originally set for July 26. Spray is being...

  • Rolling Hills Rodeo Association hosts 2nd rodeo of the season

    Matthew Strissel, Whitman County Gazette

    ROSALIA - The town of Rosalia was host to the Rolling Hills Rodeo Association's second rodeo of the year on Saturday, July 20. The event was originally going to take place both Saturday and Sunday, but the Sunday events were canceled due to high heat. The rodeo featured competitions in barrel racing, goat tying, breakaway roping, steer daubing, dummy roping and more. The preliminary times and placings are in, but results are not official until a final audit. The final results will be posted to...

  • Peter Zornes Memorial raises scholarship funds

    Matthew Strissel, Whitman County Gazette

    COLFAX - Golfers of several ages and experience levels came to the Colfax Golf Club for the 16th annual Peter Zornes Memorial Golf tournament on Saturday, July 13. There were 64 golfers attending the event from across Washington, Oregon, Southern Idaho and Arizona. Participants received player welcome bags, tournament shirts and golf balls. There was also a silent auction to raise more money for the Peter A. Zornes Memorial Neuroscience Scholarship. Kathy Zornes gave a short history of the...

  • Jet ski racers compete in Apple Pie Jamboree

    Matthew Strissel, Whitman County Gazette

    PATEROS, Wash. - Watersports enthusiasts raced in the Apple Pie Jamboree last weekend, July 19-21 in Pateros, Wash. Racers competed in several categories to attempt to be the best in their respective field on the Columbia river. According to the event's website, "The Apple Pie Jamboree is an annual event that brings together the best of our community to raise money for local students, clubs and community groups. The Apple Pie Jamboree is better than ever with even more events, fun, friends and...

  • You promise?

  • Return from space

  • Treaty can wait until election is over

    Roger Harnack, Whitman County Gazette

    Dams on the Columbia River and its tributaries contribute greatly to the way of life here in Eastern Washington. So, when the federal government says it has reached an agreement on proposed revisions to the Columbia River Treaty with Canada, rural residents should say not so fast. On the surface, the “in principle” agreement announced last week looks good for Americans. Under the proposed changes, the U.S. will get to keep more of the power generated on our side of the border. The proposed agreement says the U.S. will reduced the power...

  • Restoring Balance to America's Regulations

    Don C. Brunell, Business analyst

    The U.S. Chamber of Commerce looked at the cost of regulations in America and found that excessive protocols are undercutting our economy and costing us jobs. Federal rules alone have exploded, and the Chamber says they cost $1.7 trillion. Unwarranted state labor and employment mandates resulted in a 700,000-job loss. On the other hand, paring back state regulations which exceed federal standards now spawns 50,000 new businesses each year. The Chamber report does not indict government regulations, per se. Most regulations serve a good...

  • Roger Sandberg Endorsement

    In selecting a Whitman County Superior Court Judge in the upcoming election, the community will shape Whitman County’s judicial system for years to come. Having litigated cases in the area for nearly 28 years, I join most of the local legal community and elected officials in endorsing Roger Sandberg for Whitman County Superior Court Judge. Roger Sandberg has the work ethic, legal ability, and temperament to allow him to be an outstanding judge. Given Roger’s qualifications, it is no coincidence that he is endorsed by a vast majority of...

  • Project 2025

    “Project 2025? Nothing to see here. Agenda 47 is the go-to,” the Republicans tell us. Well, I went there and surprise, it’s not so much a policy document as a series of Trump videos. But the policy content matches up pretty well. Despite claiming he knew nothing about Project 2025 (not true, there are videos), that’s the one we should be looking at and here’s why. It’s a very well developed blueprint for HOW to accomplish the worst goals that were not accomplished in Trump’s first term, partly because the administration got off...

  • Community of Faith barbecue

    The Gazette

    LACROSSE — The Community of Faith is sponsoring a barbecue this weekend in the LaCrosse Park, 302 Main Avenue. The event is at 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 28, and will feature speaker Mark Kennedy, an artist, who will have his easel and paint for the audience to watch as he paints. A service and barbecue will follow Kennedy’s presentation. Food will be available including hot dogs, buns and condiments, with plates and water provided by Community of Faith. Attendees are invited to bring a salad or dessert to go with the hot dogs and should...

  • Monster Mash at the Regional Theatre of the Palouse

    Teresa Simpson, Whitman County Gazette

    PULLMAN - The Regional Theatre of the Palouse (RTOP) held their Broadway Show Review Camp July 15 through July 19, resulting in their final Monster Mash show. Director of the program Tina McClure said that there were 40 campers who put on "Monster Mash, Blame it on the Boogie," their final day of camp. The play, written by her son and instructor at the camp, Garrett McClure, was about the 513th Annual Broadway Monster Mash. The Monster Mash was a special gala that featured the Purple People...

  • Palouse Music Festival celebrates its 20 Year Anniversary this Saturday

    Dana Clemens, Gazette Correspondent

    The Palouse Music Festival returns from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. this Saturday, July 27 at Hayton-Greene Park. There is an admission price for adults kids ages six to sixteen. Kids aged 5 and under are free. The event is co-sponsored by the Palouse Arts Council and the Palouse Chamber. People are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome. Fun activities will be provided by a Kids’ Zone and local vendors will be selling their wares. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted to be brought in to the event, but the Palouse...

  • Library presents 'Charming Princes'

    Teresa Simpson, Whitman County Gazette

    GARFIELD — The local branch of the Whitman County Library and the City of Garfield are hosting the Gladish Players to put on a Cinderella story with a twist for all ages. The players will perform “Charming Princes,” at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 28, in the Garfield Park, 604 West Spokane Street. Garfield librarian Sarah Anderson said that she had a friend who has been a part of the The Gladish Players and reached out to her about a contact, “She gave me the information, and I emailed them,” Anderson said. Anderson said that the play...

  • Pullman Lentil festival seeks volunteers

    Teresa Simpson, Whitman County Gazette

    PULLMAN — The National Lentil Festival is coming up on its 35th year and is currently seeking volunteers to help assist with operations during the August, 17 event. Organizers want to recruit 250 to 350 volunteers to fill rolls including responsibilities like event set up, check in, parking, checking in vendors to monitoring the bouncy house, event tear down, serving lentil chili and assisting with the cleanup of Reaney Park. “We love our volunteers almost as much as we love lentils,” said Lentil Festival Director Alexis Foran. Those...

  • Births

    Whitman County Gazette

    Pullman Regional Hospital Jameson Kyle Nelson, a boy, was born July 17, 2024 to parents Kirk and MaKenna Nelson, Troy, Idaho. He weighed 7 pounds, 2 ounces. Paternal Grandparents are John Kyle Nelson and Mary Catherine Nelson, of Troy, Idaho. Maternal Grandparents are James Alan Smith and Julie Lynn Smith, of Troy, Idaho. Violet Evarra Usselman, a girl, was born July 17, 2024, to parents Haley Holden and Dylan Usselman, of Pullman. She weighed 6 pounds, 8 ounces. Paternal Grandparents are PaHi and Mike Usselman, of Cheney. Maternal...

  • Senior Menus

    Whitman County Gazette

    Colfax Thursday, July 25 Crispy chicken wraps with spinach and tomatoes, 3 bean salad, fruit salad, peanut butter cookies Monday, July 29 Chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes with gravy, cooked carrots, strawberry cheesecake Colton Wednesday, July 31 Meatloaf, roasted red potatoes, green beans, tropical fruit mix, white chip cookies Palouse Wednesday, July 31 Meatloaf, roasted red potatoes, green beans, fruit, peach crisp Pullman Friday, July 26 Chicken oriental salad, carrot and raisin salad, fresh vegetables, sliced pears, fortune cookies...

  • Christmas in July at ReStore

    Teresa Simpson, Whitman County Gazette

    MOSCOW — The Palouse Habitat for Humanity is having a Christmas in July sale this Saturday, July 27. Customers are invited to shop from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at ReStore, 504 North Main Street. The sale will be one day with all items 50% off. Non-perishable food item donations will be accepted at the registers, with all donations divided between the Inland Oasis West Side Food Pantry, Community Food Bank of Pullman, Moscow Food Bank and the Pullman Child Welfare Bank. According to a press release, food banks are in need during the summer months...

  • Whitman Hospital & Medical Clinics recognized by American Heart Association

    Teresa Simpson, Whitman County Gazette

    COLFAX —Whitman Hospital and Medical Clinics (WHMC) was recognized by the American Heart Association. The American Heart Association recognized 47 hospitals for being among the more than 3,000 nationwide participating in quality improvement efforts for heart disease and stroke care. The American Heart Association’s get with the guidelines initiative programs promotes up-to-date, research-based guidelines to ensure all patients have access to lifesaving care. WHMC was recognized for participating in these programs. According to a news...

  • Steven Michael Partch

    Steven Michael Partch

    Whitman County Gazette

    Steve Partch passed suddenly into the next life on July 17th. He was 71 years old. He was the son of Ambrose and Jenny Partch and was born at Colfax on August 3, 1952. Steve had three brothers, Dave "Skip" (Ruth), Greg (Sherry), and Michael Joe (deceased). His father Ambrose, being a career Navy Officer, moved his family on a regular basis to wherever his orders carried him and his family. Thus, Steve attended schools in several states including Rhode Island, California and Washington. He...

  • Roger Thomas Pennell

    Roger Thomas Pennell

    Whitman County Gazette

    With sadness and great appreciation for a life well lived, we announce the unexpected passing of Roger Pennell at his Garfield home on July 17, 2024. Roger Thomas Pennell was born November 21, 1949, in Colfax, Wash., to Tom and Jan Pennell. He was the middle child to two sisters, Marcia and Jeanne. Roger was raised on the family farm in Garfield where he learned the value of hard work and family. He graduated from Garfield High School in 1968. Staying close to home and the farm, he attended...

  • Linda K. Avery

    Linda K. Avery

    Whitman County Gazette

    Linda K. Avery, lifelong Whitman County resident, passed away Sunday, July 21, 2024, surrounded by loving family at the Whitman Hospital in Colfax. She was 79. A private service for the family will take place at the ocean shore with a final resting place in the Colfax Cemetery. Linda was born April 24, 1945, in Colfax to Kenneth and Maxine (Scottie) Silvey. She grew up in Colfax along with her older sister Sharon. As a teenager, Linda became quite an accomplished swimmer. She loved being in the...

  • Whitman County District Court Filings

    Whitman County Gazette

    COLFAX — Whitman County District Court reported the following criminal conviction sentences from July 12: July 12 Amanda Long pled guilty driving with license suspended first degree and an ignition interlock violation. Therefore the defendant is adjudged guilty and sentenced to 364 days of jail, 354 suspended and waived fines. The defendant must serve a total of 10 days in jail with credit for 5 days served. Defendant must have no criminal violation of law and not drive a motor vehicle without a valid license and proof of insurance. The...

  • Whitman County Sheriff's Log

    Whitman County Gazette

    COLFAX – The Whitman County Sheriff’s Office responded to the following calls from July 16 – July 22 July 16 8:48 a.m.- North C Street, Farmington. Abandoned vehicle. 9:10 a.m.- West Union Street, Garfield. Fraud. 10:27 a.m.- North Mill Street, Whitman County Jail, Colfax. Transportation detail. 10:31 a.m.- C Street, Endicott. Possible burglary. 12:17 a.m.-SR 27, Pullman. Renter/landlord dispute. 2:38 p.m.- North Mill Street, Whitman County Jail, Colfax. Fingerprints. 5:51 p.m.- SR 195 milepost 57, Thornton. Court order violation. 7:35...

  • Whitman County Jail Log

    Whitman County Gazette

    COLFAX — The Whitman County Jail reported the following individuals booked from July 16 – July 22 July 16 Victor Hugo Camps, warrant for physical control. Held on a $25,000 bond or $2,500 cash bail through District Court. Shamar Darrell Jackson, 24, protection order violation, domestic violence. Held on a $25,000 bond or $2,500 cash bail through District Court. July 17 Kyler West Navajo, 21, warrant compliance review assault fourth degree. Held on a $500 cash only bail through Superior Court. Darcy Taylor Spracklin, 27, protection order...

  • PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS

    Liz Powell, Whitman County Gazette

    PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS RCW 11.40.030 SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR WHITMAN COUNTY No. 24 4 00098 38 In the Matter of the Estate of LUCINDA RAE LAUTENSCHLAGER, Deceased The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent that arose before the decedent’s death must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or...

  • PUBLIC NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO APPROPRIATE PUBLIC WATERS

    Liz Powell, Whitman County Gazette

    PUBLIC NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO APPROPRIATE PUBLIC WATERS TAKE NOTICE: That Randolph and Kathleen Scholz of Clarkston, WA on November 13, 2020, under Surface Water Right Application No. S3-30908, filed for a permit to appropriate public surface water, subject to existing rights, from an unnamed spring for year-round use in the amount of .022 cubic feet per second (cfs) for in home domestic use, stock water, and seasonal use in the amount of .022 cubic feet per second (cfs) for the irrigation of two acres of lawn/garden. The source of the...

  • Notice of Waiting List Opening for Housing Choice Voucher Program (Whitman County)

    Liz Powell, Whitman County Gazette

    Notice of Waiting List Opening for Housing Choice Voucher Program (Whitman County) To whom it may concern, Community Action Center, in partnership with Spokane Housing Authority will be opening the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Waiting List for Whitman County. The list will open for applicants on August 6, 2024, at 8:00AM and will close on August 12, 2024, at 11:59PM. Please keep in mind that certain eligibility requirements apply, you can find these criteria on our website at www.cacwhitman.org/section-8-housing/. You can create an...

  • NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

    Liz Powell, Whitman County Gazette

    NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Conditional Use Permit Application CUP-24-02 Hiddenview PRD Short-Term Rental NOTICE is hereby given that the Pullman Hearing Examiner will hold a public hearing on Monday, August 19, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. to consider Conditional Use Permit Application CUP-24-02. The hearing will be held in virtually; join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://v.ringcentral.com/join/683989685?pw=25e64fd00006eaa7dbbbe349be873d7b. Case CUP-24-02 involves a request by Mark Wintz, on behalf of Hiddenview Homes LLC, to use six houses...

  • NOTICE OF MEETING TO ADOPT 2024-2025 BUDGET AND CONDUCT PUBLIC HEARING

    Liz Powell, Whitman County Gazette

    NOTICE OF MEETING TO ADOPT 2024-2025 BUDGET AND CONDUCT PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE is hereby given, pursuant to RCW 28A.505.050 and RCW 28A.505.060, that the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of St. John School District No. 322, Whitman County, Washington (the “District”) will hold a regular meeting on July 30, 2024 commencing at 6:00 PM at the Endicott Library, located at 308 School Dr, Endicott, Washington. The meeting is called for the purpose of fixing and adopting the budget of the District for the ensuing 2024-2025 fiscal year. Prior...

  • NOTICE OF MEETING TO ADOPT 2024-2025 BUDGET AND CONDUCT PUBLIC HEARING

    Liz Powell, Whitman County Gazette

    NOTICE OF MEETING TO ADOPT 2024-2025 BUDGET AND CONDUCT PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE is hereby given, pursuant to RCW 28A.505.050 and RCW 28A.505.060, that the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Endicott School District No. 308, Whitman County, Washington (the “District”) will hold a regular meeting on July 30, 2024 commencing at 6:00 PM at the Endicott Library, located at 308 School Dr, Endicott, Washington. The meeting is called for the purpose of fixing and adopting the budget of the District for the ensuing 2024-2025 fiscal year. Prior...

  • SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION

    Liz Powell, Whitman County Gazette

    SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION RCW 4.28.100; .110 SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR WHITMAN COUNTY No. 24-2-00188-38 ALL VALLEY PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, INC., Plaintiff/Landlord/Owner, vs. JOHN HOPKINS, VIOLET MULLIKEN, and PARTIES IN POSSESSION, Defendants/Tenants/Occupants. The State of Washington to the said Defendants John Hopkins, Violet Mulliken, and Parties in Possession: You are hereby summoned to appear within sixty days after the date of the first publication of this summons, to wit, within sixty days after the 18th day of July, 2024, and defend...

  • PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS

    Liz Powell, Whitman County Gazette

    PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW.11.40.030) IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHITMAN No. 24-4-00095-38 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF RHODERICK D. MCINTOSH, Deceased The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this Estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the...

  • PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS

    Liz Powell, Whitman County Gazette

    PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030)IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHITMAN No. 24-4-00096-38 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: JAMES IKE THOMPSON, Deceased. The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this Estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the...