Serving Whitman County since 1877

Articles from the July 13, 2017 edition


Sorted by date  Results 26 - 46 of 46

Page Up

  • Pet Peeves & Okeydokes: July 13, 2017

    Jul 13, 2017

    YYYY GREAT GREAT GREAT music on First Thursday. Both acts (The Hankers and Eric E.) YYYY New outdoor railing for hospital therapy department. Thank you, Hank! #!*! No Concrete River Festival this year. Very sad for Colfax community. Send your pet peeves and okeydokes to Whitman County Gazette P.O Box 770, Colfax, WA 99111 or drop them off at the Gazette office...

  • New discrimination

    Jul 13, 2017

    According to recent reports, political leaders have received an increasing number of threats. Some are even death threats. In an Associated Press report, members of Congress have received more disturbing communications so far this year than in all of last year. Some Congressional leaders are so unsettled by the wave of ugly and threatening communications, not to mention the shooting at the Republican baseball practice field, that they are seeking to use campaign funds for security systems at their homes. People in public life have always been... Full story

  • Tim Myers concludes 31 years with Whitman County

    Garth Meyer, Gazette Reporter|Jul 13, 2017

    A former Army diesel mechanic, Tim Myers joined Whitman County Parks as a ranger on Aug. 1, 1986. He got here by way of the line between West Germany and Czechoslavakia in the Cold War and the “Irish Railroad.” He retired in May after 31 years with Whitman County Parks. Tim Myers also served as fair director, county facilities director and director of developmental services. His last day was May 31, fulfilling his requirements and concluding his career alongside his wife, Jennie, who ret... Full story

  • Harvest Humor

    Jul 13, 2017

    Round bales at Diamond have been given emoji faces to greet motorist as they pass through. With the first cutting hay crop in the county almost finished, farmers are preparing to shift into high gear for harvest as the wheat ripens in the fields....

  • Big meet at Colfax launches swim league

    Jul 13, 2017

    Vinny Vechio of Pomeroy cranks to a finish in the 25 yard butterfly race for the 8-under class. Kendall Clinton of Colfax on the way to a finish in the girls 12-under butterfly race. Keagan Mackleit of Colfax finishes the butterfly in the boys 10-under class. Approximately 200 swimmers on the Colfax, Pomeroy and Pullman teams converged on the Colfax pool for the first meet of the season last Thursday, July 6. The three teams are the largest teams in the Tri-County League lineup for the new seaso...

  • Cougs take two wins from Mt. Spokane

    Jul 13, 2017

    Whitman County Cougars played Mt. Spokane July 5 and won both sides of a double bill. The Cougars won the first game with a 10-0 shutout with Braydn Wells starting. He struck out four and walked two. Tyler Horner came in to pitch in the fourth inning. Oak Held hit two doubles; Carson Kolter singled and doubled, and Noah Beak doubled. Mitch Lavielle paired singles. The Cougars won the second game 17-11. Ryan Bickelhaup started; Carson Kolter came in to pitch in the second inning, and Kolby Sisk of Colfax came in to pitch in the fourth. Lavielle...

  • Zornes tourney set for Colfax course

    Jul 13, 2017

    The 10th annual Peter Zornes Memorial Tournament will be Saturday at Colfax Golf Course as a fundraiser for the Zornes Memorial Scholarship in the WSU Neuroscience department where Zornes, an Oakesdale High School grad, was a student. The tourney will begin with a shotgun start at 10 a.m. and play will follow a scramble format. Men's and women's golf skill contests will include longest drive, closest to the pin and putting contest. There will also be a $100,000 shootout chance and silent auction in the clubhouse. Gift certificates, tour... Full story

  • Posse caps Legion league run

    Jul 13, 2017

    Colfax senior Kyle Appel was named MVP for the four-day Palouse Summer Series at Pullman after Pullman Posse rolled up an undefeated record to take the title. Appel here is pitching against the Blaze team after he shut off a rally by the Belfair team in the fourth inning. Palouse Posse defeated Gonzaga Prep 12-2 Tuesday at McDonald Park in Colfax to cap a 10-0 run in the Spokane Legion run. The win puts the Posse in the top slot for the Legion District Tournament slated for this weekend in Spoka...

  • Charge filed in Colfax drug stop

    Jul 13, 2017

    Kelsey J. Darst, 36, Clarkston, one of two women arrested on drug charges in Colfax early July 2, was formally charged July 6 in Superior Court with possession of methamphetamine. Darst has been held in jail in lieu of posting a $10,000 bond which was set at her first appearance in court. The arrest report said Darst was driving a van northbound on Highway 195 at mile marker 35 at 2:55 a.m. The van had a faulty brake light and was stopped near the Poplar Street intersection in south Colfax. Darst's behavior indicated possible drug use and she...

  • Transfer tanks project set to start at landfill

    Garth Meyer, Gazette Reporter|Jul 13, 2017

    The Whitman County waste transfer station tank replacement project is set to begin Aug. 14 with contractor M.A. DeAtley of Clarkston. The project will replace an evaporation pond with two 10,000 gallon tanks. County road department workers demolished the original pond last week. The total project is scheduled to be done in November with no disruption in service at the transfer station expected. All told, two 10,000-gallon steel tanks will take the place of the former 90x90 foot, 180,000-gallon...

  • Palouse Fire Department buys used pumper-tanker

    Garth Meyer, Gazette Reporter|Jul 13, 2017

    The Palouse Fire Department has found its new truck. After a search begun last year to replace the ‘87 Pierce pumper-tanker – to keep the fleet at 30 years old or less – the department has bought a 1997 pumper-tanker from the town of Lawrenceburg, Tenn., with 1,000 gallons greater capacity and a closed, four-man cab. The price was $88,000. Bruce Beeson, a retired member of the department, will fly to Tennessee July 25 and drive the truck across country to Palouse. The department will move the l...

  • Participants seek shade, refreshment at July First Thursday

    Jul 13, 2017

    Above: Jena Moore and Miranda Kimmel with J.P. Pies were among vendors who set up in the shade on Main Street in Colfax during the First Thursday event July 6. Upper right: Eric E. from Moscow urged listeners to pick up the light benches which had been placed before the stage and move them over to the alley where shade was available. He delighted fans with his ability to perform a song from a specific year called out by an audience member. Lower right: Kay Riebold from Washington Federal offers...

  • Three chairs now open on planning panel

    Jul 13, 2017

    Volunteers are now being sought to help the county with recommendations for code and zoning ordinances. Currently three spots are vacant on the county planning commission. “It can be kind of interesting,” said Alan Thomson, planning director. Thomson explained there are no prerequisites. “They’re volunteering their time,” he said. The commission meets once or twice a month, depending on the need. Since many of the seats are filled or have been filled by farmers, the commission takes the month of August off. Major projects cause the commissio... Full story

  • Not a shot in the dark: Endicott Gun Club upgrades facilities

    Jana Mathia, Gazette Reporter|Jul 13, 2017

    Students take aim at the first handgun safety and marksmanship class at the Endicott Gun Club in April. Gun club vice-president Jim Pelissier instructs the handgun class. Pelissier is an instructor for law enforcement and SWAT. Endicott Gun Club is upgrading its facilities to attract more people to its shoots, improve cash flow and offer more options for the town. Endicott local Tony Anderson, of TNA Electric, and crew have been doing about $11,000 worth of work to the clubhouse and outdoor...

  • Indivisible Palouse plans 'Caffeine and Causes' event at Colfax library

    Jana Mathia, Gazette Reporter|Jul 13, 2017

    -Eric Fejeran photo Letter writers at the first Indivisible Palouse event. Residents who have been wanting to speak up about a political issue can get some help in having their voices heard at a “Caffeine and Causes” event in Colfax July 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Colfax library. Indivisible Palouse will host. “It’s open for whoever wants to talk about their cause,” said Kate Meyer, one of the organizers. According to its Facebook page, Indivisible Palouse is “dedicated to supporting...

  • New Edmondson span takes shape

    Jul 13, 2017

    The new Edmondson Bridge takes shape last week ahead of schedule. The span on Sand Road near Pullman is expected to be open for traffic by today, Thursday. The project had been projected to be done near the end of July. The new bridge replaces the original 1916 Edmondson Bridge, from which its historic plaque was stolen two weeks ago during demolition....

  • Heritage Hardware: Community-minded business prospers

    Jana Mathia, Gazette Reporter|Jul 13, 2017

    In addition to tools, toys, ice cream and gift items, Heritage Hardware carries locally crafted items, including these flies made by 10-year-old Birch Edwin Brown. According to Penny Hinds, his flies are special because “they catch fish.” New businesses in small towns often struggle, but Heritage Hardware in St. John may have discovered the secret to success. “I think the key is it’s not about us, it’s all about the community,” said Denny Hinds, one of the business owners. Heritage Hardware op... Full story

  • Outlaw Meats opening in LaCrosse this fall

    Starla Meighan|Jul 13, 2017

    Gazette Staff Outlaw Meats gave LaCrosse Farmer’s Festival attendees a preview of their new facility, along with free mugs and beverages. A new custom meat facility and farm slaughter business, Outlaw Meats, is slated to open later this year on Main Avenue in downtown LaCrosse. Owners Daniel Broeckel and wife Kelli, along with their children Rowdie Jo, 8, and Beau, 5, plan to relocate from Farmington to LaCrosse in late summer as they continue to prepare the downtown facility for an expected o... Full story

  • All bridges in county to undergo load ratings

    Garth Meyer, Gazette Reporter|Jul 13, 2017

    A new federal requirement to re-rate all bridges for weight limits will begin in Whitman County later this month with two consulting engineers hired at the end of June. Nicholls Kovich Engineering of Spokane Valley and Sargent Engineering in Olympia will act as consultants for a federal requirement to update bridge ratings in light of changes in truck design which can mean heavier loads. County bridges, which are inspected every year, were last rated for weight limits in the 1990s or eary...

  • Grants help Coast add 2 vans

    Jana Mathia, Gazette Reporter|Jul 13, 2017

    The Council on Aging/Coast fleet has grown to a dozen vans with the help of a grant from Empire Health Foundation. “This timing couldn’t have been better because we’ve had an onslaught of our vans having mechanical issues of late,” said Paige Collins, COA executive director. July 1 COA renewed a two-year contract with the State Department of Transportation. The contract requires COA to provide a ride to anyone with a special need for transportation. To accomplish that, WSDOT gave COA 80 percent...

  • A new generation with Old Glory

    Jul 13, 2017

    Lynae Mattson, 11, Tekoa, surveys the scene at Oakesdale's Old Mill Days on the back of her father’s parade entry July 8. For more pictures, see page 3B....