Regional news

• Parent company Dollar Tree will sell Family Dollar to Brigade Capital Management and Macellum Capital Management. Family Dollar currently operates two locations in north central Idaho in Orofino and Grangeville. Transaction is expected to close by June 2025 and the future of the local stores is not yet known. Source: Washington Post, Family Dollar

• House Bill 425 was signed into law during the 2025 legislative session that appropriates Division of Public Works funds during fiscal year 2026. Approved projects within north central Idaho include $5.5 million in funding for construction of a new Idaho State Police District 2 facility and $8 million to construct a Joint Military Science and Veterans’ Assistance Center at the University of Idaho. Source: Idaho Legislature

• The American Rivers environmental organization designated the Clearwater River as the 7th most endangered river in the U.S. due to rising threats from logging, mining and potential future dams. Source: American Rivers

Nez Perce County

• The State Board of Education approved a request from Lewis-Clark State College to change its name to Lewis-Clark State University. The name change will then be considered by the Idaho Legislature and the college’s accrediting body and could become official by Spring 2026. Lewis-Clark State College’s academic programs range from professional certificates to graduate degrees. Source: Lewis-Clark State College

• Lewiston City Council amended city code that previously prohibited shipping containers to be repurposed accessory buildings within city limits. Source: Lewiston Tribune

• The United Methodist Church and the Nez Perce Tribe formally recognized the transfer of ownership of the historic church north of Lapwai to the tribe. Source: Nez Perce Tribe

• The Nez Perce Tribal Housing Authority acquired the former Thunderbird Gas Station in downtown Lapwai for future development supporting community growth and vitality. Source: Daily Fly

• The Lewiston-Nez Perce County Airport has reduced Air Traffic Control Tower operating hours due to staffing shortages. Commercial flight schedules will continue as usual, but pilots of private planes need to be aware of the shortened hours. The airport will also be purchasing a new snowplow, having the taxiways resurfaced and terminating its shuttle service due to low use. Source: Lewiston-Nez Perce County Airport

• The Lewiston school board approved a $9.2 million bid from Kenaston Corporation to construct the new high school ball fields, bleachers, restrooms and a new assembly shop at the DeAtley Tech Center. Projects will likely be completed by spring of 2027. Source: Lewiston Tribune

• Family Promise of Lewis-Clark Valley was awarded a $20,000 grant from Clayton Homes. Funds will be used to assist families into securing permanent housing. Source: Lewiston Tribune

• Axess Self Storage, owned by Merrell Enterprises, is building a 12-building facility to house 609 new storage units in Lewiston. Expected completion is expected in early fall 2025 and will be the 10th regional location for the company. Source: Lewiston Tribune

Idaho County

• The Animal Rescue Foundation opened a Resale Store in Grangeville featuring gently used clothing, accessories, jewelry and housewares. All proceeds will be used for local rescue programs as well as going toward the construction of the new animal shelter. Source: Idaho County Free Press

Latah County

• The United States Department of Agriculture cancelled a five-year, $59 million Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities grant awarded to University of Idaho for its Innovative Agriculture and Marketing Partnership project. The program’s focus was to reduce climate impact within the production of Idaho’s top commodities – potatoes, sugar beets, wheat, barley, hops, chickpeas and beef. The cancellation was a result of the revision of rules now stating that at least 65% of grant funds must go directly to producers compared to a requirement of at least 50% when the grant was awarded. University of Idaho will be reimbursed for all grant related expenses incurred through April 13 and the university is eligible to reapply to the grant program through June 20. Source: University of Idaho

• The Garden Lounge recently reopened in downtown Moscow after extensive renovations. Source: Lewiston Tribune

• The Moscow City Council voted to dissolve the Moscow Pathways Commission. Pathway issues will now be handled by the Moscow Transportation Commission or the Parks and Recreation Commission. Source: Lewiston Tribune

• After selling its building, the Appaloosa Museum and Heritage Center in Moscow will relocate to a new location by June 30. Source: Pullman Radio

Clearwater County

• Nearly 400 students from regional school districts attended the north central Idaho Workforce Exploration Day in Orofino. The event highlights careers that support local families and the natural resources within north central Idaho. Source: Clearwater Tribune

Openings

• Refuge Cigar Lounge, Moscow

• The Pilates Studio, Lewiston

• Mountain View Event Rentals, Grangeville

• Triangle Tavern, Grangeville

• Fresh Start Cleaning Solutions, Stites

• Sparky’s Driving and Delivery Service, Kooskia

Closings

• Wayback Café, Lewiston

• Pizza Factory, Kamiah

• U.S. Bank, Orofino

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