Latest News in Pullman, WA

Your trusted source for local Pullman, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.

UPDATED AT 416 P.M. Idaho firefighter dies after being hit by falling tree near Kooskia

An Idaho firefighter, Isabella Oscarson, died after a tree fell on her during a prescribed fire near Kooskia. The tragic incident occurred while she assisted on a U.S. Forest Service project related to the Tinker Bugs timber sale. Governor Brad Little ordered flags to be lowered in her honor.

Meetings

Whitman County Commissioners will meet Monday at 9 a.m. in Colfax, while Latah County Commissioners will gather Tuesday at 9 a.m. in Moscow. Notably, the Pullman City Council meeting has been canceled.

MPD addresses rumors surrounding UI fight

The Moscow Police Department confirmed that a fight on the University of Idaho campus left a man hospitalized, countering rumors of multiple attackers. The victim, Austen Dawson, sustained significant injuries and remains in a medically induced coma, while police continue to investigate the incident. No arrests have been made, and the police cautioned against harassment of witnesses.

Latah County GOP resolution honors Kirk

Latah County Republicans passed a resolution honoring Charlie Kirk, who was killed on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University. The resolution praises Kirk as a martyr for traditional American conservative values and condemns those labeling him as a fascist or Nazi.

Program started by Robert Redford was short-lived but trailblazing

Robert Redford’s Institute for Resource Management, established in the early 1980s at the University of Idaho and Washington State University, promoted interdisciplinary graduate education but lasted only two years. Despite its brief existence, the program influenced graduate studies by emphasizing cross-training among students from diverse backgrounds, equipping them for careers in environmental law and resource management.

Colfax A town with deep roots

Colfax, the seat of Whitman County, thrives on agriculture and historic architecture. Mayor Jim Retzer highlights the community's friendly nature, while the town's rich history is reflected in its vintage buildings and local businesses.

Forums for Whitman County, Pullman candidates planned next month

The League of Women Voters of Pullman and Whitman County will host three candidate forums before the Nov. 4 general election. The forums will take place at Neill Public Library and will also be available on Zoom. Candidates for local offices, including Whitman County Commissioner and Pullman City Council, will participate in the events scheduled for Oct. 9, 14, and 16.

Wild fall chinook regulations to remain in place another week

The fall chinook fishery in the lower Snake River will maintain restrictions on harvesting wild fish for at least another week. Fisheries managers are monitoring wild fall chinook numbers, which are expected to be between 4,000 and 5,200 by season’s end, to determine if the restrictions can be lifted. Water temperatures have delayed the run, affecting fish survival rates.

Deaths

Richard “Dick” Davis, 85, of Moscow, passed away on September 21, 2025, at Grangeville Health and Rehabilitation Center. Rita Devon (Myles) Carlson, 72, formerly of Lewiston and Troy, also died on the same day in Deltona, Florida. Tracy Langdon, 68, of Potlatch, died at her home on September 22, and Richard Berger, 90, of Moscow, died on September 23.

Pullman settles with former city administrator

Pullman will pay former City Administrator Mike Urban nearly $220,000 to settle his claims of unlawful discrimination and wrongful discharge. The settlement concludes a dispute stemming from Urban's administrative leave in March, following accusations related to former Police Chief Jake Opgenorth, which were later found to be unsubstantiated.

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