Best of the Palouse 2026 Results Announced

Community votes recognize top local professionals in Moscow, Idaho and Pullman, Washington

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:05am

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An extremely abstract, out-of-focus photograph composed of soft, blurred shapes and pools of warm light, conceptually representing the community-driven nature of the 'Best of the Palouse' awards.The annual 'Best of the Palouse' awards celebrate the diverse array of local service providers who contribute to the vibrant community spirit of Moscow and Pullman.Moscow Today

The results of the annual 'Best of the Palouse' online voting have been announced, honoring top local professionals in the Moscow, Idaho and Pullman, Washington region across several categories including teachers, hair stylists, massage therapists, and nursing staff.

Why it matters

The 'Best of the Palouse' awards are a longstanding community tradition that celebrate the hard work and dedication of local service providers who make a positive impact on residents' lives. The results reflect the values and preferences of consumers in this close-knit regional community.

The details

In the Elementary Teacher category, Wendy Thompson of A.B. McDonald Elementary in Moscow was named the winner, with Kami Heath of Troy Elementary and Tiffany Gunderson of Lena Whitmore Elementary as finalists. For Hair Stylist, Heather Meyer of LaBella Salon in Pullman took the top spot, followed by Misty Parsons of Misty's Salon and Michelle McIntosh of Michelle's Hair Studio. In Massage Therapist, Paula Nygaard of Spirit Springs Day Spa in Moscow was the winner, with Belinda Rhodes of Gritman Medical Center: Therapy Solutions and Amanda Christian of House of Sage Massage Therapy as finalists. The Nurse/Nursing Staff category winner was not specified.

  • The 'Best of the Palouse' online voting took place in early 2026.

The players

Wendy Thompson

A teacher at A.B. McDonald Elementary in Moscow, Idaho who was named the winner in the Elementary Teacher category.

Heather Meyer

The owner of LaBella Salon in Pullman, Washington who was named the winner in the Hair Stylist category.

Paula Nygaard

A massage therapist at Spirit Springs Day Spa in Moscow, Idaho who was named the winner in the Massage Therapist category.

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The takeaway

The 'Best of the Palouse' awards highlight the vibrant small business community and dedicated service professionals that make the Moscow-Pullman region a great place to live. These results showcase the local talent and community pride that define this close-knit area.