Police Chief Gary Jenkins acknowledged common assumptions that police officers cover up wrongdoing by other officers, but he argued his department’s credibility relies on thoroughly and impartially investigating any alleged misconduct. He believes Officer Scott Patrick misspoke in this case.
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 commissioners approve first 2019 budget amendment, review tax reports
Whitman County commissioners approved the first budget amendment of the year Monday, reallocating $68,000 in contingency funding to cover new operating costs while the board also dismissed several outstanding tax debts from bankrupt businesses such as Blockbuster Video.
Schools ask voters to approve levies above state cap on Feb. 12 special election ballot
Both Oakesdale School District and Colton School District have asked for levies above the current limit. But administrators note they will only collect the legal $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value if the Legislature does not manage to raise the limit.
Fired Colfax police chief makes case he checked practices, acted in good faith
In a meeting with reporters Thursday, Rick McNannay passed around a binder of event timelines, email threads and personnel records detailing his handling of the hires in question from the fall of 2016. “I’ve got nothing to hide,” he said. “I’m transparent.”
Colfax police chief fired for alleged dishonesty following previously unspecified investigation
Police Chief Rick McNannay confirmed he has filed an appeal and planned to meet with attorneys this week to determine his legal options. He otherwise declined to comment pending a statement from his attorney.
What to read and who to follow as the 2019 legislative session begins today
You can get down in the weeds of the session by reviewing new bills and following legislation through the committee process at the Legislature’s website. Many of the committee hearings and votes will broadcast on TVW alongside news analysis and interviews with lawmakers.
Local GOP committee votes to deny PCO seat to James Allsup over white nationalist ties
Local Republican party leaders unanimously voted this morning to deny a voting seat to alt-right activist James Allsup, stripping him of any Whitman County GOP central committee duties or authority, seven months after he won an uncontested race to serve as a precinct committee officer.
Local hospitals post pricing lists for medical services to comply with new federal rule
Pullman Regional Hospital has posted its chargemaster here. It has almost 7,300 items or services listed. A breast feeding consult of less than an hour typically runs about $190. A total knee prothesis costs $3,030. A Medtronic neurostimulator goes for $41,520.
Adopted $62.3 million county budget funds raises, mapping system and tech upgrades
Explore our spread sheet comparing the adopted 2019 budget to the adopted/amended 2018 budget with a breakout of the increases and decreases in spending. Here’s the adopted totals for 2019 and a projection of 2019 county revenue and expenditures.
Commissioners to consider $62.1 million proposed county budget tomorrow
Commissioners will consider the budget at 10 a.m. Monday in the board’s chambers at the Whitman County Courthouse. You can compare the proposed 2019 budget to the previously adopted 2018 budget with our combined spread sheet, which breaks out the differences in spending year to year.