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Meade murder charges consolidated to Nez Perce County

Pullman, WALocal News

Skylar Meade, 33, faces two first-degree murder charges in Nez Perce County for allegedly killing James Mauney, 83, and Gerald D. Henderson, 72, after escaping prison in March 2024. During a court appearance, Meade stood silent as Judge Michelle Evans consolidated the charges previously filed in Clearwater County. Prosecutors aim to resolve the case before a trial scheduled for March 2024, with Meade's next court date set for November 6. Meade's escape from a Boise hospital resulted in injuries to three police officers, intensifying law enforcement's precautions during his court appearances.

Both Meade and alleged accomplice Nicholas Umphenour belong to the Aryan Knights gang, which raises concerns about their motivations and actions. Umphenour is currently in Nez Perce County Jail awaiting a November 2026 trial and could face execution if convicted. The case has drawn significant attention due to the violent nature of the crimes and Meade's previous prison sentence of 30 to 999 years for a violent escape. Local prosecutors emphasize the need to resolve these serious charges promptly to ensure justice for the victims and community safety.

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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.