Whitman County Gazette

11/27/2025

A man formerly charged with child molestation has been sentenced to a year in jail.

COLFAX — A man formerly charged with child molestation has been sentenced to a year in jail. Elijah Smith, 20, of Colfax received the maximum sentence of a year in Whitman County Superior Court on Friday, Nov. 21, after communicating with a minor for immoral purposes. Whitman County Superior Court...

11/26/2025

With the Garfield-Palouse Vikings becoming State Champions and the Oakesdale Nighthawks finishing third place at State, several area players made the WIAA 1B All-State volleyball team.

YAKIMA - With the Garfield-Palouse Vikings becoming State Champions and the Oakesdale Nighthawks finishing third place at State, several area players made the WIAA 1B All-State volleyball team. Vikings senior middle hitter Elena Flansburg was named the Most Valuable Player on the 1B All-State Team.....

11/26/2025

The Council on Aging and Human Services is discontinuing the Congregate Meal Program at all Whitman County locations.

COLFAX — The Council on Aging and Human Services is discontinuing the Congregate Meal Program at all Whitman County locations. The program is set to end effective Tuesday, Dec. 6, according to a letter posted on the Council on Aging COAST Building. Copies of the letter could not be found posted on...

11/14/2025

Photos from the State championship celebration for Garfield-Palouse Volleyball.

Note: you will see some of them in the next edition of the Gazette and online 🙂

11/13/2025

Nighthawks sweep Mustangs in state-opener

YAKIMA — Perennial volleyball powerhouse Oakesdale swept away the competition its state-opener Wednesday evening, Nov. 12, to advance to the state 2B quarterfinals.
The No. 1-ranked Nighthawks downed the Northport Mustangs, ranked No. 16, in straight sets in the Yakima Valley SunDome. Set scores were 25-12, 25-13, 25-14.
The win advances the Nighthawks to the quarterfinals against the winner of the Wilbur-Creston versus Naselle game.
That game is on the court now, with Naselle leading 2-1.
Oakesdale’s next game will be at 9 tonight.

11/12/2025

The Garfield-Palouse Vikings won their state 1B opening game this morning, sweeping Tahola. Set scores were 25-23, 25-22, 25-19. The Vikings will play Providence Classical Christian in the quarterfinals at 9 tonight.

11/05/2025

Barnum leads Sprague race

SPRAGUE — As of Tuesday, Nov. 4, early General Election results show Krystal Barnum leading in the race for Sprague City Council Position No. 3, while two other council candidates appear headed for decisive wins. Barnum received 65 votes (54.17%), ahead of Ashley Melanson with 48 votes (40%), and ...

11/05/2025

Whitman County voters support investment of long-term health care tax benefits

CHENEY — The Cascade Curtain apparently divides more than just liberals and conservatives. It also separates opinions on whether state officials should be allowed to invest long-term health care funds into stocks of private companies. Early Nov. 4 general election returns show 589,290 voters state...

11/01/2025

Two new staff members at the school district are looking to enrich the lives of students.

ST. JOHN - Two new staff members at the school district are looking to enrich the lives of students. New Superintendent, Vice Principal and Principal Tina Strong, of Tekoa said she and held the same multiple positions before at Coeur d'Alene Tribal School for nine years before bringing her experienc...

11/01/2025

A man accused of setting of a mortar firework in his apartment has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.

COLFAX - A man accused of setting of a mortar firework in his apartment has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. During a Friday, Oct. 24 arraignment Elijah Reagan, 40, of Pullman pleaded not guilty, claiming insanity after allegedly setting off a firework in his apartment catching the building...