Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
COLFAX –– Thirteen college-aged adults have trespassed onto St. Ignatius property in the last two weeks.
On Monday, September 18, six trespassers were reported to the Colfax Police Department for trespassing.
Valoree Gregory, ghost tour coordinator, received an alert late at night on Monday and set off her alert system.
“There were two other times that day that I had to set off the alarm,” said Gregory. “Those kids left, but the others didn’t leave. Some walk around, but I get nervous when there is a whole group like that.”
Gregory notes that the trespassers come up often during the weekday at late hours.
“It seems like lately, so many kids have been going up there late at night. Thank goodness for our cameras. If they don’t leave, then I call the police, but I wait as long as I possibly can,” she said.
Gregory also reports that Austin Storm, owner of St. Ignatius, has conducted repairs around the old hospital to fix damages from previous trespassers and break-ins.
All trespassers have been issued a no-trespass warning for the year by the Colfax Police Department. Meaning these individuals may not visit St. Ignatius until one year has passed.
“When there are seven or eight kids, they are probably trying to break in. Our best bet has been our cameras, and he [Austin Storm] has put in new cameras so we can see license plates now,” Gregory said.
Reports say the last group of trespassers reportedly told Colfax PD that they “just wanted to see ghosts.”
“The cops told them they can buy a ticket and get a tour with me if they want to see ghosts,” said Gregory. “We have been on a lot of TV shows and YouTube shows. When people see those YouTube channels, they also tend to pick up the activity.”
Gregory reports that St. Ignatius will work to continue boarding up windows and other places where break-ins may occur but will continue to install and upgrade camera systems to catch any trespassers.
“We have so many cameras up there, which triggers our phones. They will get caught, and our cameras are so good that we can zoom in. It’s not even worth taking the chance,” she said.
Aside from the building, Storm also owns the alley adjacent to the building. There are several no-trespassing signs posted.
“We have signs, and as soon as they cross that sign, it’s considered trespassing,” added Gregory.
Olivia Harnack is a Journalist at the Whitman County Gazette. Olivia is enrolled at University of Idaho and is majoring in digital film studies. She serves in the United States Army National Guard and is proud to serve Whitman County.
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