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Harold and Wilma Stellingwerf donated $1.5 million to Washington State University’s Crimson Opportunity Scholarship, marking the largest gift in its history. The scholarship, established in 2009, supports students regardless of their background or major. The couple's estate also contributed $1.5 million to Central Washington University’s library.
The Gladish Community and Cultural Center will close on September 15 due to unsustainable overhead costs. Friends of the Gladish President David Harder cited rising expenses and the loss of major tenants as contributing factors. The organization will continue accepting donations while assisting tenants with relocation.
A head-on collision on U.S. Highway 195 south of Colfax resulted in a fatality on Friday evening. The Washington State Patrol reported the crash occurred around 7 p.m., fully blocking the highway and diverting traffic to nearby routes.
Latah County Commissioners approved a budget exceeding $43 million, including wage increases for employees and funds for a future jail land purchase. Commissioner Tony Johnson opposed the wage hikes, citing fiscal conservatism, while others expressed support for the raises during public hearings. The county plans to cease full-time jail operations this fall, necessitating transport to a neighboring facility.
Weather changes promise higher humidity and cooler temperatures in Idaho's mountainous regions, aiding firefighters battling wildfires. However, significant rainfall poses a risk of flash flooding, particularly in areas affected by recent fires. The Island Creek Fire, the largest in the region, has burned over 10,000 acres and is only 5% contained.
The Pullman City Council appointed Sean Wells as the new city administrator, effective September 16. Wells, who has served as the city's Public Works director since 2023, expressed gratitude for the opportunity and aims to build trust within the community. He succeeds Mike Urban, who resigned amid controversy earlier this year.
WSU police detained a man at the Courtyard by Marriott in Pullman on Sunday after he allegedly reported a gunman in his hotel room. Officers used a stun gun to subdue the uncooperative suspect, who was later taken to Pullman Regional Hospital for evaluation. No firearms were found in the room.
A suspect attempted to break into an ATM in Uniontown on Sunday morning, using power tools but failing to access any cash. The Whitman County Sheriff’s Office seeks help identifying the suspect, who was reportedly driving a black Dodge Challenger.
The Island Creek Fire has expanded to 10,743 acres, prompting ongoing firefighting efforts and a closure of Selway River Road. Smoke from the fire has caused hazardous air quality in Kamiah, where conditions are now rated as "very unhealthy." Other nearby fires, including the Mire Fire and the Sunset Fire, have also seen growth in recent days.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will reopen six recreational areas along the lower Snake River ahead of Labor Day weekend. Staffing shortages prompted earlier closures, but the agency recently onboarded five new employees to manage these sites.