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The Whitman County Humane Society is selling tickets for its annual fundraiser, Furball, while the Palouse River Community Center announces its Oven-Roasted Sirloin Dinner. The article highlights various local events scheduled for February 2025, including art exhibits and theater productions, fostering community engagement and support for local organizations.
The City of Pullman has announced an investigation into Police Chief Jake Opgenorth following allegations reported on December 17, 2024. Chief Opgenorth has been placed on administrative leave, with Commander Aaron Breshears appointed as Acting Chief of Police. The city is committed to cooperating with the Washington State Patrol's investigation while maintaining transparency.
Pullman City Hall and various city services will be closed on January 1, 2025, in observance of New Year’s Day. Key facilities, including the Recreation Center and Neill Public Library, will also be unavailable, with Pullman Transit suspending services for the day. Emergency services will remain operational during the closure.
A Pullman man is in critical condition following a shooting incident early Thursday morning. The police are actively investigating the case, which appears to be isolated and poses no threat to the public. Authorities are seeking assistance from residents with home surveillance cameras in the vicinity.
The City of Pullman will observe holiday closures for Christmas and New Year's Day in 2024, affecting various city services including the City Hall, Recreation Center, Senior Center, Aquatic & Fitness Center, Neill Public Library, and Pullman Transit. Emergency services will remain operational throughout the holidays, ensuring community safety during this festive period.
Whitman County has awarded an additional $100,000 to Project Downtown Pullman, bringing the total funding to $300,000 from the county’s .09 Funds. Mayor Francis Benjamin expressed gratitude for this financial support, highlighting the project's anticipated positive impact on the community.
The Pullman Police Department swiftly arrested two 14-year-old juveniles following threats made at Pullman High School, where a student allegedly planned to bring a firearm and harm a teacher. The incident, which prompted a temporary lockdown of the school, highlights ongoing concerns regarding school safety and youth violence. No firearms were recovered, and the investigation remains active.
The City of Pullman has successfully completed its 2022 accountability, financial, and federal grant compliance audits with the Washington State Auditor’s Office, confirming proper management of public funds. The audit revealed no significant deficiencies, although a minor compliance issue regarding contractor debarment was noted and subsequently resolved. Finance Director Jeff Elbracht emphasized the city's commitment to transparency and accurate financial reporting.
The City of Pullman has announced a 6% utility rate increase effective January 2025, following approval by the City Council on December 3, 2024. This increase aims to address the rising costs of operating and maintaining essential water, sewer, and stormwater systems. Residents can find more information on the city's official website.
The Washington State Transportation Improvement Board has awarded $348,664 to the City of Pullman for the Orchard Drive & Valley Road Resurfacing Project, scheduled for construction in 2025. This funding is crucial for the project, which will enhance local infrastructure and complement recent developments by Washington State University. The grant covers over 82% of the project costs, showcasing the state's commitment to transportation improvements.