Bulletin Column

These reports are from the previous four issues of the Daily Bulletin in Colfax. They are reprinted here for the benefit of Gazette readers who reside outside of Colfax. Some accounts have been updated.

Snowy weather causes accidents

On Jan. 27, about four miles south of Rosalia on State Route 195, Washington State Patrol reported that Jeffrey M. Butler of Cheney was traveling south when the 2006 Nissan pickup he was driving lost control on the icy roadway, crossed the northbound lane and rolled onto its top in a shallow ditch.

On Jan. 28, a little more than three miles north of Palouse on SR-27 at 5 a.m., Rayia E. Mendoza of Garfield, was southbound when she lost control of the 1993 Jeep Cherokee she was driving on the snow and ice covered roadway. The vehicle crossed the centerline, rolled and came to rest on its passenger side in the northbound ditch.

At 7:45 a.m. about a mile and a half south of Uniontown on SR-195, Robert Yates of Pullman was traveling southbound and lost control of the 2007 Ford van he was driving. The van was on snow and ice and Yates was trying to pass another southbound vehicle when it rolled on the southbound side of the roadway, coming to rest on its passenger side.

On Jan. 28 at 5:30 p.m. three miles south of Uniontown on SR-195, Jarrett B. Foote of Pullman was traveling northbound in a 2000 Nissan Pathfinder when he lost control, crossed the centerline and went into the southbound lane. He entered a ditch and the vehicle came to rest on its side.

No injuries were reported in any of the accidents.

Weight limits on Palouse River Road

Andy Rogers, public works supervisor, said that starting Tuesday, there are weight limits on Palouse River Road. The limits are in effect until further notice and the limits are posted on the signs on the road.

Fire response to Stephenson on WSU campus

The smell of burning wood in the Stephenson Main Complex on the Washington State University campus Monday morning triggered an employee to pull the fire alarm that brought a full response from firefighters.

Crews from Pullman and Whitman County Rural District 12 responded to the alarm that came in at 5:16 a.m. The main unit houses offices, meeting rooms and dining services, near Stadium Way and Olympia Avenue. No dorm rooms were affected.

The smell was apparent on entering the main complex but firefighters and WSU police officers spent the next two hours searching room by room, while other firefighters examined the roof area, but no source was found.

As WSU housing crews were removing snow a little later, they found the likely cause. Operations chief Mike Heston said someone apparently dropped a cigarette into a metal grate near the ventilation system. There were some old leaves and pine needles in the area that smoldered and the smell was carried into the building. Crews cleaned up the area and the odor disappeared.

Becker named to Honor Jazz Band

Brent Becker was one of the 25 to 30 high school musicians in the surrounding area and the only one from Colfax to be named to the SEWMEA Honor Jazz Band. He played the trombone with the Honor Band Monday night at the WSU Jazz Night in Pullman. The CHS Jazz Band also performed there Monday night.

Southview fire on Friday

A structure fire was reported on the 600 block of Southview on Friday about 5:30 p.m.

According to Colfax Fire Department, four units responded. A pan of oil on the stove caught fire which spread to the stove top and hood. The kitchen was damaged and the home was turned over to the family after firefighters left, department personnel said.

One person was transported to Whitman Hospital for smoke inhalation and was later released. No other injuries were reported.

Lentil Festival moves to Reaney Park

The National Lentil Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. The festival is scheduled for Aug. 16-17.

Instead of having the festival in downtown Pullman the first day, all festival activities will be at Reaney Park. Washington State University will allow festival goers to use the parking lot on Spring Street.

The National Lentil Festival has seen crowds of more than 26,000 the last few years. The festival began in 1989.

Colfax Police Log

On Jan. 23 about 11 a.m., officers received a report of a parking problem on the 100 block of East Thorn Street.

On Jan. 23 a little after 11 a.m., officers received a complaint about obscene phone calls at the 900 block of North Clay Street. The citizen who complained stated he has received hang-up calls every day for the last two years. Officers responded and determined it was a collection agency attempting to collect a debt.

On Jan. 23, officers assisted a motorist with a report of fraud. The victim was put in contact with the Grant County Sheriff’s Office for investigation.

On Jan. 22, at about 4 p.m., a report of fraud on the 200 block of East Canyon Street was taken by police.

On Jan. 22 at about 7:50 p.m., a citizen called to report a whining and crying dog that was outside. A little later, the citizen called back to say they brought the dog into the house.

Pedestrians asked to wear bright clothing

The Colfax Police Department would like to encourage pedestrians to utilize reflective or brightly colored clothing when walking along roadways, especially those roads or streets with limited or no shoulders. The police department has received phone calls regarding walkers and joggers on Canyon Street who are dressed in dark colored clothing making them difficult to see by motorists.