County Auditor Sandy Jamison wrote in an email today that election staff will be available for in-person registrations from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday until Nov. 3 at the Elections Center at 304 N. Main Street in Colfax. The office will be open until 8 p.m. on Election Day.
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.
State revokes former Pullman Police officer’s certification after 2018 misconduct findings
The Criminal Justice Training Commission, which oversees certification of law enforcement officers statewide, revoked the certification of former Sgt. Jerry “Dan” Hargraves in late August after he failed to contest the action.
Investigation finds scholarship funding went missing from Palouse Empire Fair in 2017
Auditors determined at least $1,350 in checks intended to support fair royalty scholarships were cashed in May 2017, but not deposited into the county’s accounts. The auditor’s office issued a seven-page report on the investigation.
Voters Guide Fall 2020: County commission candidate questionnaires, registration details
Our Fall 2020 Voters Guide includes in-depth questionnaires with the candidates for Whitman County Board of County Commissioners with campaign finance information, links to other local coverage and updates on voting resources.
City of Pullman gets state audit finding over inadequate controls in 2018 budget reports
Auditors report Pullman city staff did not fully understand reporting requirements or have an effective review process. City officials noted the misclassifications did not change the designated uses or total fund balances. “The City of Pullman takes this finding very seriously, and corrective action has already been taken.”
Healthcare staff say WSU unprepared for fall COVID-19 response, endangering workers
Multiple employees with WSU’s medical care service, Cougar Health, say university officials failed to adequately prepare over the summer for the return of thousands of students to Pullman — leaving staff scrambling to provide campus-based COVID-19 care with insufficient equipment or guidance.
Pullman officer improperly tells partygoers ‘inside or backyard’ better to avoid tickets
“After reviewing this video,” the Pullman police chief wrote, “I will make clear to my staff that providing that advice is counterproductive and undermines the intent of enforcement, which is proclamation and ordinance compliance and reducing the risk of COVID-19 spread in the community.”
Former accountant files lawsuit against Pullman for alleged disability discrimination
Former city accountant Colleen Lenz filed her complaint on Sept. 10, accusing Pullman officials of abruptly firing her after more than two years on the job because she sought medical leave for intense migraines.
County to add new ballot drop boxes while awaiting lawsuit on state reimbursements
Whitman County is one of three counties involved in an ongoing lawsuit against the state over its alleged failure to reimburse local governments for the costs of installing ballot drop boxes under a 2017 law. The mandate would require purchasing, installing and maintaining another 14 local ballot drop boxes at a cost of more than $126,000.
WSU head coach cited for ‘mini-block party’ amid COVID-19 crackdown on gatherings
Almost all of the approximately 18 infractions Pullman police have issued for alleged violations of public health mandates have gone to student parties based on College Hill near campus. Police have issued just two infractions for gatherings outside of College Hill, including the coach’s party.