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Public can help decide future of Moscow, Troy highways

Pullman, WALocal News

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is exploring options for a new highway route and ring roads to alleviate traffic between Moscow and Troy. Public input collected during a recent meeting will help shape these proposals, which aim to improve U. S. Highway 95 and Idaho Highway 8. Janet Zarate, ITD engineering manager, emphasized the importance of public feedback for future congestion management over the next 25 years.

Residents like Jeff Chaffins voiced frustrations about traffic conditions, citing the absence of turn and passing lanes that contribute to accidents. ITD plans to utilize traffic volume studies and community feedback to determine which projects will advance. Moscow Mayor Art Bettge supports extending A Street to create an essential east-west route, reducing downtown congestion. Bettge also advocates upgrading West Palouse River Drive to accommodate potential freight traffic from Washington. The public can view proposed concepts at us95sh8.

com, with hopes that funding will materialize from the Idaho Legislature for prioritized projects.

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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.