Newly released data shows nearly 8 million prescription pain pills flowed through Whitman County pharmacies from 2006-2012, providing historic insight into the local evolution of the opioid epidemic. “At that time, there was probably not as much of an emphasis on addiction,” Tick Klock Drug owner Mark Johnson said. “Those numbers have definitely decreased significantly.”
Author: Jacob Jones
Jacob Jones has worked as a reporter and photographer for newspapers across Washington state since 2003, covering local government, criminal justice and natural resources. He most recently worked on staff at the Inlander in Spokane and The Daily World in Aberdeen with freelance bylines in the Washington Post, the Spokesman Review, Washington State Magazine and other regional publications. He lives in Pullman. Find more info on our Mission page.
County elections official says new voter system improving as primary approaches
County Auditor Sandy Jamison said her office has conducted mock testing of the registration system and received daily updates from the state. The relatively small Aug. 6 primary provides a chance to see how the system holds up before the General Election.
Colfax police chief reinstated with back pay, no word on potential appeal from city
The Colfax Civil Service Commission on Tuesday reinstated recently fired Police Chief Rick McNannay with back pay following a confrontational hearing in which the city’s attorney accused the commission chair of bias.
Pullman reviewing zoning on Airbnbs, short-term rentals amid widespread noncompliance
An analysis of local Airbnb listings shows at least 80 hosts booking accommodations in violation of Pullman zoning codes as city officials look to assess existing policies and the growing impact of short-term rentals. Find how your home is zoned with our interactive map
Civil Service board questions demotion of Colfax police chief amid appeal arguments
The board expressed frustration with the city’s attempt to reset the appeal process around demotion with Commissioner Rob Aucutt saying most of the work had focused on the matter of termination. They voted to continue on schedule for a trial on July 29 to evaluate whether the city had grounds for demotion. “There’s a lot of pieces in this puzzle,” Aucutt said.
Parties still dispute retaliation, tampering allegations from $70,000 county settlement
Former county employee contends “frustration and fear” drove her from a job she loved while officials dispute any wrongdoing. “Going to court would have been millions [of dollars] win or lose,” Former Auditor Eunice Coker said. “Settling was in the best interest of the county and myself.”
Colfax Arts Council presents final designs for downtown murals to appear this summer
The community art project will include the four murals as well as a youth project in which local students paint fish silhouettes for display on chainlink fences along Lake Street. The projects have received a combined $33,000 with the Colfax City Council approving a $15,000 lodging tax grant and another $18,000 in donations.
Citizen commission recommends 3 percent raises for all county elected officials in 2020
Based on last year’s rates, those salaries would increase to about $74,420 for commissioners as well as $78,115 for assessor, auditor, clerk and treasurer. The coroner would receive $79,178 and the sheriff’s pay would increase to $107,408. The prosecutor’s salary could go up to $150,390 a year, which includes some pay from the state.
County deputies to again answer some Colfax police calls after officer resigns
Colfax Police Officer Joe Handley resigned late last month, leaving the five-person department with two full-time officers and one temporary officer now working full-time. Handley confirmed he had “resigned in good standing.”
Candidate filing approaches as election data shows 80 percent of local races uncontested
With candidate filing opening next week, the Auditor’s Office lists 210 positions up for election in November — ranging from Port of Whitman County commissioner to the St. John cemetery board. Here’s a look at races with high uncontested rates and how you can file for local office.