Serving Whitman County since 1877

Articles from the April 16, 2020 edition


Sorted by date  Results 26 - 49 of 49

Page Up

  • Kathryn Cooper

    Apr 16, 2020

    Kathryn Rose Cooper of Colfax, passed away on March 27, 2020, at her home. She was 75. Kathryn was born on May 13, 1944, in Newport, Wash., to Arthur and Alma (Griner) Freeman. She worked at Washington State University throughout her life where she reached her retirement. Kathryn enjoyed spending her time browsing yard sales, going on drives and the company of her grandkids. You could often find her crocheting, sewing, reading, camping with her family and having picnics. She is survived by her two kids, Patrick Cooper and Karen Ramsey. Also... Full story

  • 55 years at Gazette:

    Jana Mathia, Editor|Apr 16, 2020

    COLFAX - In June 1965, newly-hired reporter Jerry Jones went to cover his first City Council meeting. "Here we go again," he would think every June thereafter when he would sit down to cover yet another meeting. Jones won't be thinking that this year as health issues have forced him to retire after 55 years covering the news, sports and crime in Colfax and Whitman County. After graduating from Central Valley High School in 1960 in the present day city of Spokane Valley, Jones deferred being...

  • Keep the horses stalled:

    Apr 16, 2020

    The annual old time plowing bee, which was set for this weekend, April 18 and 19, has been canceled. To stay in compliance with government orders on gatherings, the organizers have decided to forego the event which features teams of horses and mules plowing land at Mockenema as in days of yore. According to Mike Schwartz, one of the organizers, the field will still be planted, but with modern tractors, in the hope that the threshing bee will resume in its old-fashioned mode. The threshing bee is held over Labor Day weekend in...

  • Colfax census response tops 50%

    Apr 16, 2020

    Response to the 2020 Census from Colfax households is at 57 percent as of April 14, which is above return rates for the county and state so far. Whitman County households lag behind with only 45 percent returning; Pullman is at 45.8 percent return rate.Washington state is at 53.4 percent and the nation is averaging 47.9 percent census returns. Other town return rates in the county include Palouse 46.2 percent, Tekoa 10.2 percent, Endicott 18.6 percent, LaCrosse 56.6 percent, Colton 14.6 percent, Malden 17.2 percent, Farmington 27.5 percent,...

  • Births: April 16, 2020

    Apr 16, 2020

    Whitman County Gazette, April 16, 2020 At Pullman Regional Hospital Baumgarten, Caledon Drake, born April 6, 2020, at seven pounds, nine ounces, to Luke and Marti Baumgarten of Colfax and Pullman. Paternal grandparents are Earl and Jan Baumgarten, New Meadows, Idaho. Maternal grandparent is Susan Montenegro, Albion. Baby joins brothers Benjamin, 8, Jacob, 16, and sister Alexis, 17. Wilson, Harmony Jane, born April 7, 2020, seven pounds, three ounces, to Ben and Danielle Wilson, Palouse. Paternal grandparents are Thomas and Jennifer Wilson,... Full story

  • Facilities strive to keep residents connected

    Jana Mathia, Gazette Editor|Apr 16, 2020

    The the stay-at-home order, keeping people isolated from one another, assisted living facilities in Whitman County are taking steps to assure seniors stay connected with loved ones and the world outside while keeping them safe. “The whole goal is to keep this virus out of our building,” said Bree Pfaff, administrator at LaDow Court Assisted Living in Garfield. The only people coming and going at LaDow Court are staff, home health workers, occupational and physical therapists and hospice. Eve...

  • State warns of COVID-19 fraud

    Apr 16, 2020

    State officials are warning about a recent increase in fraudulent activities related to COVID-19. Fraud includes fake testing sites, testing kits, treatments or vaccines being advertised or sold, and robocalls or in-person fraud. If citizens become aware of such activities, they are urged to contact the Washington State Fusion Center at intake@WSFC.wa.gov. No cases of fraud have been reported in Whitman County. One new case of COVID-19 was received April 14 by the Whitman County Emergency Operations Center. The most recent case is a female...

  • Senior menus Week of April 20 - 24

    Apr 16, 2020

    Colfax Monday, April 20: Hot turkey sandwich, mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, fruit, dessert Thursday, April 23: Clam chowder, tortilla rollups, vegetable platter, sliced pears, dessert Endicott Tuesday, April 21: No meal LaCrosse Tuesday, April 21: Baked ham with pineapple, scalloped potatoes, green beans, salad, pie Tuesday, April 21: Senior meal at LaCrosse Café at noon through the pandemic, suggested donation of $4.25 Friday, April 24: Senior meal at LaCrosse Café at noon through the pandemic, suggested donation of $4.25 Palouse W... Full story

  • Library trivia on Facebook

    Apr 16, 2020

    Due to stay at home orders, Whitman County Library “Trivia Contests” are moving online. Every Thursday at 5:30 p.m., enthusiasts can visit the library’s Facebook page to participate in the competition. Long time trivia host Sarah Phelan will present an abridged contest of five questions, with topics ranging from historical and scientific, to literary facts and fun. The library’s popular book club is also moving online. The next meeting is set for Monday, April 27, at 5:30 p.m. on Facebook Messenger video chat. Participants will each discuss...

  • Good Old Days: April 16, 2020

    Apr 16, 2020

    8 years ago The Commoner April 19, 1895 Wm. Webster and John Stinson have returned from their mining claims on the Snake River above Almota, expecting to return there after making arrangements for the necessary machinery to enable profitable prosecution of the business of mining. Mr. Webster in talking with the Gazette reporter, said: "y mining claim is about four miles above Almota, and the gold bearing gravel deposit is back from the river some distance and above it about 40 feet. The...

  • Legal Notices: April 16, 2020

    Apr 16, 2020

    NOTICE OF HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Whitman County Commissioners have set the date of Monday, April 20, 2020, at 10:30 a.m. in their Chambers, Courthouse, Colfax, WA, for proposed amendment #1 to the 2020 Whitman County budget. At that time, it is requested all department heads/elected officials requesting an amendment be present. The total amount of the proposed amended budget is approximately $65,000,000. Copies of the proposed amendment will be available April 16, 2020 by calling 397-5240. Disabled accommodations are... Full story

  • Eastern Washington cancels in-person commencement

    Apr 16, 2020

    CHENEY -- Eastern Washington University President Dr. Mary Cullinan has announced that the university's June13 commencement will be switching from an in-person ceremony to an online format as part of protective measures to slow the spread of the COVID-19 disease. “This year, unfortunately, the global pandemic has forced us all to reset gatherings, celebrations, and holidays,” Cullinan said in an April 15 news release announcing the change. “We can’t hold a traditional Commencement ceremony this spring.” The ceremony for semester and quarter p... Full story

  • GSI, Avista host Eastern Washington telephone town hall

    FROM STAFF AND NEWS SOURCES|Apr 16, 2020

    SPOKANE – Greater Spokane Inc. (GSI), Avista, Inland NW Partners and other organizations supporting the regionwide business recovery efforts under the umbrella initiative InlandBizStrong, are hosting a Telephone Town Hall on Friday, April 17 at 11 a.m. Pacific Time. The call is a live question and answer format where participants can ask questions directly to the leaders of two important Washington State agencies – the Department of Commerce and the Employment Security Division – engaged in the economic recovery of our region. Speakers on th... Full story

  • Duststorm a factor in I-90 crash

    Katie Teachout, The Journal|Apr 16, 2020

    RITZVILLE — Charges are pending against a Moses Lake man following a multiple-car collision Saturday afternoon on Interstate 90. The crash, attributed to a large duststorm, occurred 20 miles west of the city at 2:08 p.m., the Washington State Patrol reported. "It [the duststorm] was about 700-800 feet wide coming across the road and at least an eighth of a mile long," said Mark Dykstra of Pete's Towing, which got called to the scene an hour later. "The wind must have been blowing about 25 m...

  • Colfax airport received $20,000

    Colfax Daily Bulletin|Apr 16, 2020

    The airport outside of Colfax is one of three in the county to receive grant money from the FAA through the CARES Act. The funds are part of $65 million granted to eastern Washington airports impacted by COVID-19. The Port of Whitman Business Air Center was allotted a $20,000 grant. Rosalia Municipal Airport received $1,000. Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport received the largest amount in the county at $18,129,792. The announcement of the grants was made by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers who supported the CARES Act....

  • Construction projects delayed due to coronavirus quarantine

    Katie Teachout, The Journal|Apr 16, 2020

    LaCROSSE — Gov. Jay Inslee’s “stay home, stay healthy” quarantine has halted construction on railroad tracks. Upgrades were scheduled for the Hooper Railroad line near State Highway 26 in Adams and Whitman counties between Mileposts 25-42. The project included replacing ties, rail other track materials. According to project engineer Chad Simonson with the state Department of Transportation, all that remains to be completed on that project is two pedestrian crossings in LaCrosse. Simonson said the crossings are completed for pedestrian use, ju... Full story

  • Ritzville hospital may lose $400,000 in monthly revenue

    Katie Teachout, The Journal|Apr 16, 2020

    RITZVILLE — Hospitals statewide are taking a financial hit with Gov. Jay Inslee's order to suspend any non-essential services, and East Adams Rural Healthcare is doing their best to weather the storm. “We are still providing our swing bed, inpatient and emergency services, but our rehabilitation therapy and outpatient clinic services are very minimal right now, because folks should be staying at home unless they need care to prevent them from really having a detrimental effect to their health,” Chief Executive Officer Corey Fedie said last... Full story

  • Expanded unemployment filing begins this weekend

    John McCallum, Managing Editor|Apr 16, 2020

    OLYMPIA -- Beginning this Sunday, Washingtonians currently ineligible to receive unemployment benefits may get a chance to receive financial help. In a press conference this afternoon with Gov. Jay Inslee, Employment Security Department Commissioner Suzi LeVine said the state will begin to implement provisions of the federal C.A.R.E.S Act expanding unemployment benefits to independent contractors and others who typically don't qualify for benefits – including those who don't have the usually required 680 hours. Other actions being i... Full story

  • Cracks growing in Gov. Inslee's 'stay home' quarantine order

    Roger Harnack, Publisher|Apr 16, 2020

    RICHLAND — Cracks are growing in Gov. Jay Inslee’s “stay home, stay safe” quarantine east of the Cascades. And the Tri-City area — the second most populous area east in Eastern Washington— is at the center of the uprising to lift “unconstitutional” mandates that restrict the ability to assemble, practice religion, access publicly owned lands and water, and more. The governor has ordered Washington state residents to "stay home" until at least May 4 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Richland resident Lisa Thomas has started a GoFundMe accoun... Full story

  • UFO reported in Pullman

    Colfax Daily Bulletin|Apr 16, 2020

    PULLMAN — Police responded to a report of a UFO at 12:02 a.m. this morning at Northeast Spaulding Street and Northeast Maiden Lane, according to the police log. Officers were unable to locate it....

  • Hundreds protest state's boating, fishing ban

    Roger Harnack, Publisher|Apr 16, 2020

    RICHLAND — Under the watchful eye of a city park ranger, hundreds of protesters from across Eastern Washington launched boats and filled Columbia Point Park today calling on Gov. Jay Inslee to end the ban on boating and fishing. Statewide, fishing, boating, camping and some hunting were shut down by the state Department of Fish and Wildlife until at least May 4, in accordance with the governor's quarantine due to the coronavirus outbreak. More than 100 boats were visible on the water, and t...

  • Schweitzers donate to COVID-19 fund

    Apr 16, 2020

    PULLMAN-The United Way of Whitman County received a personal gift of $20,000 from Ed and Beatriz Schweitzer to the United Way of Whitman County’s Covid-19 Recovery Fund. “We at the United Way are so grateful to all of our donors, but this gift from Dr. and Mrs. Schweitzer will make a significant difference in addressing the lives of our residents,” said Kris Finch, vice president of the United Way of Whitman County. “Due to the sheer volume of individuals affected by the coronavirus the requests are significant. We know that funds are still n...

  • Gov. Inslee, your time is up

    Roger Harnack, Publisher|Apr 16, 2020

    PASCO — Gov. Jay Inslee's time has expired, at least in Franklin County. Five minutes into the county commissioners’ 9 a.m. meeting today, April 21, commissioners voted unanimously to reject provisions under Gov. Jay Inslee’s stay-home quarantine order. Commissioner Clint Didier moved to reopen the county; the motion was seconded by Commissioner Brad Peck. “I move that Franklin County end recognition of the governor’s stay-at-home emergency proclamation that is now deemed unconstit...

  • Collision results in fatality

    Apr 16, 2020

    PULLMAN-At approximately 7 a.m. on April 13, Pullman Police and Fire responded to a report of a two vehicle collision on SR 270 at Terre View Drive. One of the drivers later died as a result of his injuries. According to the police press release, Timothy Calene, 45, of Pullman, was driving a Mazda 323 southbound on Terre View Drive and turned left, eastbound on SR 270. A Nissan Rogue, driven by a 32-year-old Moscow, Idaho, resident, was traveling westbound on SR 270 and struck the Mazda in the intersection. Neither vehicle contained any...