Whitman County voting returns show 1,300 ballots mailed late had a voter turnout of 30 percent, compared to 45.2 percent for the on-time ballots. “We did the best we could,” the county auditor said. “I was pleased it was that high, frankly.”
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.
Local lawmakers share priorities on taxes, transportation going into 2020 session
State lawmakers representing Whitman County expect to take on transportation funding, affordable housing and transparency practices when the 2020 legislative session opens Monday. Read local priorities and watch video discussions with legislators.
Misconduct, ballots and paper trails: A look back at our most impactful stories of 2019
To end the year, we wanted to share a look back at our work and provide some additional background for transparency. Whitman County Watch has published 45 individual stories this year, many offering in-depth or exclusive coverage on matters of broad community interest. Here are the numbers.
County officials certify final election results, rejecting about 170 questionable ballots
Election staff brought about 317 problematic ballots before the canvassing board for review. The board rejected all 102 ballots with late postmarks. Of 175 ballots with mismatched signatures, 42 ballots were eventually rejected.
YouTube channel directs massive audience to videos of Pullman police force, arrestees
Real World Police shares footage of high-profile or sensational law enforcement arrests from across the country, posting about 390 videos for its more than 394,000 subscribers. At least 20 of those videos, or 5 percent, originated from the Pullman Police Department.
Pullman staff call for denial of zone change on port land for student housing project
Aspen Heights Partners, based in Austin, Texas, first proposed the development over the summer with plans for a 212-unit neighborhood for approximately 790 residents. Port commissioners approved selling about 25 acres of property to the developers in September, contingent on the zone change.
Pullman police flight logs show drones used for training, outreach and drug surveillance
Pullman Police Department flight logs indicate officers have deployed drones about 40 times throughout the past two years, mostly for staff training and community outreach, but officials expect to use them more frequently in the future. See a map of flight locations.
Voters Guide: County road levy lift increases taxes for gravel road upkeep, staffing
A proposed levy lid lift for unincorporated areas of Whitman County would collect another $1.4 million a year for gravel road maintenance, additional road crew workers and newer grading equipment as officials say current property taxes have struggled to keep up with inflation.
Colfax City Hall called ‘dysfunction junction’ amid allegations of lying, mismanagement
Public email records and civil service filings reveal a culture of distrust at Colfax City Hall that has resulted in repeated accusations of lying, mismanagement, budget errors and retaliation throughout the past two years. “It’s just dysfunction junction,” one former employee said.
Voters Guide: Pullman School Board surveys address funding priorities, student safety
Three Pullman School Board candidates — Ficklin, Weed and Munch-Rotolo — offer answers on teacher retention, program needs, technology and other issues. Also find information on returning your ballot.