MARCH 28, 2020 — Based on continuing assessments of guidance from federal, state and local health authorities, the U.S. Census Bureau is suspending 2020 Census field operations for two additional weeks to April 15. The Census Bureau is taking this step to help protect the health and safety of the American public, Census Bureau employees, and everyone who will go through the hiring process for temporary census taker positions.  Click here to learn more.

We have changed our rental process due to COVID-19 and are delivering all vehicles, that are freshly detailed, to wherever people are stranded/stationed etc. This helps them because they don’t have to be on the road during the shelter in place but also have access to a vehicle in the event of an emergency.  The majority of these situations involve health care workers, government employees, and the military. Lastly, with the limited air travel, many people need to find a way to get home. We’re hoping to get help to as many people in need as possible that are stuck. We have also lowered the minimum age required to rent a vehicle to 18 for any military members or college students to get them back to where they need to be.

Whitman County, WA – United Way of Whitman County has launched a community fund to provide immediate assistance for those affected by COVID-19. Resources from this fund will be deployed to address the urgent health and economic needs of impacted individuals and communities as well as to provide basic human services. Priority will be given to nonprofit organizations that provide community safety nets and to those with strong connections to populations made vulnerable by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“During times of uncertainty, Americans come together to support their neighbors and their communities. The COVID-19 pandemic is a new challenge for all of us, but the human desire to help one another is not. Please donate and help our community rise to help those who need it most in this crisis.” -Eric Fejeran, Interim Director United Way of Whitman County  

One-hundred percent of all donations will be dispersed to nonprofits serving individuals and families in need; no administrative cost will be reserved. Disbursements will be made as soon as funds are received and immediate needs are identified.  The United Way of Whitman County will serve as a funnel of local donations and emergency funds from agencies such as FEMA. They will gather input from the agencies they presently assist and other non-profits who are in dire need of contributions.  A heavy emphasis will be placed on providing food and basic living supplies to residents throughout our county.

Pullman resident and United Way of Whitman County Board member Chris Oakley said, “While staying home is a necessity at this time, it prevents me from holding the hands of assisted living residents or collecting food from my neighbors for our local food banks. I am so grateful that the United Way has provided me with a way to help that does not put me or others in Whitman County at risk.”

Donate to the Whitman County Community Relief and Recovery Fund by following the links at www.whitmanunited.org or by mailing donations to P.O. Box 426, Pullman, WA  99163 For more information on this topic contact Eric Fejeran at 509-332-3691 or at director@whitmanunited.org

Eric Fejeran Interim Executive Director 

United Way of Whitman County

PO Box 426 ~ Pullman, WA  99163

509.332.3691

Pullman’s Sunset Mart has full service at its store on Wednesday’s and Saturday’s from 11am to 5pm for high-risk individuals. Includes extra sanitization for each transaction.

Click here to view full details from Pacific Office Automation.

The COVID-19 outbreak is impacting the PNW blood supply.

Anyone who is healthy is encouraged to donate blood or host a blood drive!

Hosting a drive is easy and we’ll partner you with one of our local Donor Resources Representatives to guide you every step of the way.  We’ll even provide the juice and cookies for your drive!  It takes 1,000 people donating every day to ensure Bloodworks has a safe and stable blood supply for all who need it now

Bloodworks policies comply with FDA, CDC, Local health departments, and other applicable recommendations related to Covid-19 Appointment and information at Bloodoworksnw.org

Call 800-398-7888 or text bloodapp to 91985 to receive a link on your phone.  Please check website for extended donor center hours https://www.bloodworksnw.org/

Beginning Monday, March 16, Charter commits to the following for 60-days:

• Charter will offer free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60-days to households with k-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription at any served level up to 100 Mbps.  To enroll call 1-844-488-8395.
• Charter will partner with school districts to ensure local communities are aware of these tools to help students learn remotely.
• For eligible low-income households without school-aged children, Charter continues to offer Spectrum Internet Assist, a low-cost broadband program delivering speeds of 30 Mbps.
• Charter will open its Wi-Fi hotspots across our footprint for public use.
• Spectrum does not have data caps or hidden fees.

Click here to read the full press release with complete details.

“We understand this is a challenging and unprecedented situation for our customers, employees and communities, and we’re prepared to adapt as needed and provide support,”said Dennis Vermillion, Avista president and CEO.  “Avista has stopped all utility disconnects in Washington, Idaho and Oregon.  We know the way we serve and engage with our customers during this uncertain time will look and feel different, but be assured we remain committed to managing through this together.”

To read the full press release click here.

B&L Bicycles is maintaining normal business hours of Monday-Saturday, 10:00am to 6:00pm.

A note to customers:

“During this unusual time we will be carefully controlling traffic through the store.  To that end, the back door will remain locked during business hours.  Parking is still available, but we ask that customers please use the front door.  If you have a bike to unload, our staff will assist you.

For deliveries, please call the store at 509-332-1703.  Our staff will assist you.”

“My name is Rex Carlin, I’m the owner of Carlin Media Solutions, based in the Seattle-area.  CMS helps businesses with their communications, public relations and messaging needs.  I know there are going to be some tough times ahead for businesses in Pullman, and I’d like to help in any way I can.  I am offering my services to ANY Pullman-based business that needs help with messaging, communications or PR over the course of the next three months FREE of charge.  No strings attached.”

To reach out to Rex email him at rex@carlinmediasolutions.com or visit www.carlinmediasolutions.com.

A message from Tami at the Daily Grind:
“The Daily Grind Team wants to help the community in this crazy time.  So, we are offering to anyone in the community who cannot get out to get items they need or errands done in general to call us!  We are offering that service for free, they just need to pay for the items we are picking up for them.  If they want to donate any amount to us for the service provided then that would go directly to the workers, to help them going as well!”

For more information or to sign-up call: 509.334.3380

“As a locally owned family business in Pullman. We want to do our part to help. Dissmores will be providing free delivery of groceries for all of our customers starting Monday, March 16th through April 15th. Minimum orders are $25.00 We will also offer in-store pickup at no charge during this time. When placing your order all fees will be waved. When you shop online at dissmores.com please know we NEVER charge you more online than in-store. We use our own staff to pick and deliver your order and whenever possible it is delivered by our own family. We will do our best to keep you safe.
Thank you,
Archie & Shelley McGregor
Owners-Dissmores IGA”