With the county’s first positive COVID-19 case announced today, public health officials say limited testing capacity has “greatly impacted” their ability to contain the local spread of the virus while reinforcing the need for consistent social distancing.
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.
Settlement between WSU, former provost details terms of ‘transition year’ in Seattle
A newly released settlement agreement from last fall between WSU and former provost Mitzi Montoya outlines the terms of her transition to faculty as well as payouts if she finds a new job and additional relocation expenses. Read the entire seven-page document here.
Voters Guide: Making sense of the upcoming 2020 presidential primary and caucus
Many voters throughout the state have wondered about how the primary ballot works and why they must declare a specific political party affiliation in order to participate. Here are a few takeaways and links to related coverage of the process.
Bridge inspectors closely monitor structural details and deficiencies throughout county
Whitman County Watch recently obtained a snapshot of inspection data for the 439 bridges located throughout the county. We followed the county’s bridge crew under some local structures and created an interactive map of bridge locations and inspection ratings.
Former WSU provost emails describe sexist feedback, administrative power struggles
“I learned that there are major concerns about me,” Montoya wrote to WSU President Kirk Schulz four days before stepping down in September. “I need a personality transplant, I need to be more feminine and conforming in my communication style, and I need to be less intelligent.”
Improper food storage and temp controls top violations in 2019 restaurant inspections
Whitman County Public Health officials inspected approximately 130 restaurants and school cafeterias last year. Of the 149 total inspections or re-inspections, just five resulted in failing scores — mostly for contamination risks during storage or improper cooling.
Voters Guide: A look at the Lincoln Middle School bond and Pullman school levies
Voters living within the Pullman School District will see three propositions for consideration — a $15 million bond to expand and remodel Lincoln Middle School, a $5.3 million educational enrichment (maintenance & operation) levy, and a $200,000 technology levy.
Newly released $10,000 settlement details resolution of Pullman public records lawsuit
A Dec. 31 settlement, obtained via a public records request, indicates city officials agreed to pay $10,000 for a permanent dismissal of the case. “Such payment does not constitute an admission by the City of liability, wrongdoing, or damages,” the settlement states.
Pullman facing lawsuit over public records practices from open government litigator
Update, Jan. 22: Pullman City Attorney Laura McAloon, in an email this afternoon, wrote the Whitman County Superior Court dismissed this case earlier this month. She explained previous emails for comment went missed in her spam folder. “The City is unable to comment further,” she wrote.
State disclosure officials dismiss complaints against Pullman City Council campaigns
Conservative activist Glen Morgan, who has “weaponized” disclosure laws by filing hundreds of similar complaints, alleged Benjamin and Parks missed deadlines for filing their 2019 campaign statements. Officials recently issued both candidates letters and closed the cases.