Your trusted source for local Pullman, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
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.
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.
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.
Moscow and Pullman host a variety of community events this weekend, including an Aikido class, holiday ornament making, and film screenings. The Moscow Contemporary Holiday Sale features local artists, while the Festival of Trees invites community members to vote for their favorite decorated tree.
The U.S. Supreme Court will hear cases challenging laws in Idaho and West Virginia that ban transgender women and girls from participating in women’s sports. A ruling could redefine the legal understanding of sex in relation to sports and potentially impact policies nationwide.
Inmates at the Asotin County Jail enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving meal, a practice continued for over 25 years by the prosecutor's office. Prosecutor Curt Liedkie emphasized the importance of treating inmates with dignity, highlighting the morale boost the event provides amidst their circumstances. This year marks the last Thanksgiving meal served at the old jail before the facility relocates to a new justice complex.
Volunteer firefighters in Lenore are considering establishing a new rural fire district to improve fire coverage in the area as the Big Canyon Fire District faces reduced resources this winter. The county's decision to reclaim half of the shared fire station space has prompted discussions about the potential benefits of a new district, including better insurance options for homeowners. Community support is growing, with offers of land for a new fire station already made.
Travelers in the Northwest should prepare for isolated snowfall in mountain passes this Thanksgiving week, with up to 8 inches expected in the Cascades. Temperatures will remain mild in lower areas, with many opting to drive despite rising gas prices in Idaho and Washington. Nearly 82 million Americans are expected to travel, with a significant portion of Idaho residents taking to the roads.
Various organizations in the Lewiston area offer free Thanksgiving meals, welcoming community members to celebrate the holiday. The Salvation Army, Waha Grill, and other local venues will serve meals on Thursday, providing options for those in need. Attendees may also contribute dishes or donations to support these community efforts.
A candlelight vigil for World AIDS Day will take place in Moscow on Monday at Friendship Square, starting at 5:30 p.m. The event aims to honor millions who have died from AIDS-related illnesses, featuring a prayer led by Rev. Mary Beth Rivetti.