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.
Category: Local News
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.
Delayed ballots from 2019 General Election saw 15-point decrease in voter turnout rate
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.”
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.