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Case against Pullman man accused of assaulting Trump-supporting WSU student resolved

Pullman, WALocal News

Gerald Hoff, 24, resolved his fourth-degree assault charge by agreeing to a misdemeanor in a plea deal related to the assault of a Washington State University student wearing pro-Trump attire. The deal, finalized during a hearing on Thursday in Pullman’s Whitman County District Court, requires Hoff to pay $150 in restitution to the victim, Jay Sani. The incident began on February 28 when Sani was confronted by Hoff and 34-year-old Patrick Mahoney after picking up food from a local restaurant. According to police reports, Mahoney threw Sani's pro-Trump hat into the street, prompting Sani to respond by throwing his food. The confrontation escalated as Mahoney and Hoff allegedly physically assaulted Sani.

Mahoney, a Ph. D. student, has been relieved of his teaching duties at WSU due to the incident. He still faces a fourth-degree assault charge, with a court appearance scheduled for August 21. The case has garnered attention from conservative news outlets, reflecting broader political divides on college campuses.

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Pullman, WALocal News

Meetings

Local government meetings are scheduled throughout the week in Whitman and Latah counties, including sessions for city councils and planning commissions. Key meetings include the Whitman County Commissioners on Monday and the Moscow Urban Renewal Agency on Thursday. These gatherings provide residents opportunities to engage with local governance.

Pullman, WALocal News

Berney to retire as counseling point man

Mike Berney, Executive Director of Palouse River Counseling, will retire in December after over 30 years of service, paving the way for Clinical Director Kathleen Stewardson to assume his role. Under Berney's leadership, the organization expanded significantly, enhancing mental health services across Whitman County. Berney expressed optimism for the future of behavioral health in the community.

Pullman, WALocal News

Fire is not the enemy

Volunteers in north central Idaho conducted a controlled burn near Viola to reduce wildfire risks and enhance ecological health. Led by Heather Heward, the team emphasized the importance of fire as a tool for land management, likening it to medicine for wildlands. Participants included university students and local forestry professionals learning to adapt to fire’s role in the ecosystem.