Around North Central Idaho: Economic activity, May 2025

Posted on | updated:
Lisa Grigg, regional economist
Idaho Department of Labor
(208) 696-2256

Regional news

  • Rite Aid filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in early May and might potentially close or sell all locations within the next few months while working to transfer customer prescriptions to other local pharmacies. Rite Aid currently operates eight locations within Idaho, including north central locations in both Lewiston and Moscow. Source: Rite Aid

Nez Perce County

  • Lewis-Clark State College (LCSC) and Idaho State University (ISU) signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly offer a five-year program for completion of both a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and a Master of Science in Athletic Training. Students will study exercise science for three years at LCSC and will then transfer to ISU for the final two years. Source: Big Country News
  • Lewis-Clark State College (LCSC) awarded 753 graduates with 892 degrees and certificates during the 2025 spring commencement.This compares with 748 graduates earning 917 degrees and certificates in the spring of 2024. LCSC also recognized 15 graduates (seven associate degrees and eight business essential certificates) of the Idaho Correctional Institution in Orofino and 87 GED graduates during the year. Source: Lewis-Clark State College
  • Job fairs were hosted by both Hobby Lobby and Courtyard by Marriott in preparation for their brand-new locations opening summer of 2025 in Lewiston. Source: Hobby Lobby, Courtyard by Marriott
  • CCI ammunition was awarded the 2024 Gold Award for Rimfire Ammunition by readers of Tactical Retailer and Shooting Sports Retailer. Source: The Kinetic Group
  • During the first quarter of 2025, the Environmental Protection Agency enacted a $440,000 settlement against Clearwater Paper in Lewiston for violation of the Clean Air Act. The claim was related to Clearwater Paper’s pulp bleach system chlorine gas releases during 2019-2020. This follows a $322,000 civil penalty assessed against Clearwater Paper in June 2024. Source: Environmental Protection Agency, Clearwater Paper
  • Some county departments will begin transferring from the current Nez Perce County Courthouse to the newly constructed building beginning as early as the last week of May 2025. Source: Nez Perce County

Idaho County

  • The Idaho Transportation Department has begun construction on a new 1.1 mile passing lane on Highway 95 south of Ferdinand. The project is expected to be completed by the end of August. Source: Pullman Radio
  • The Hope Center in Grangeville is transitioning to become the Reliance Center of North Central Idaho. The partnership with Lewiston’s Reliance Center will expand services in women’s reproductive health care, pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, sexually transmitted infection testing and school outreach programs. The grand opening of the Grangeville location is scheduled for October 2025. Source: Big Country News Connection

Latah County

  • The University of Idaho awarded over 2,300 degrees during the 2024-2025 academic year. The degree mix included around 30 associate degrees, 1,100 bachelor’s degrees, 300-400 master’s degrees, 28 doctoral degrees and 132 juris doctorates. Degree awards in 2025 were similar to degree counts reported in 2024. Source: University of Idaho
  • Construction of the brand-new Home Depot store in Moscow is complete and the store will open the last week of May. Source: Home Depot
  • The Latah Recovery Center has expanded services to the area by opening the Whitman Recovery Community Center in Pullman, Washington. The space will serve as a peer recovery community center supported by volunteers, staff and certified peer counselors. Source: Lewiston Tribune
  • The Latah County Commissioners agreed to merge the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and driver licensing offices. As a result of the combined operations, employees will be trained to handle both DMV and licensing duties. Source: Lewiston Tribune
  • Kimberling Insurance in Moscow was selected as Senator Risch’s Small Business of the Month for May 2025. Source: Pullman Radio

Clearwater County

  • Orofino City Council approved the Airport Master Plan and it will be sent to the Federal Aviation Administration for approval. Key projects within the next five years include extension of the runway safety area and to build the remaining section of the parallel taxiway. Source: Clearwater Tribune

Openings

  • Lewis Clark Building Contractors Association, Lewiston
  • Hoot’s Shop & Stay convenience store and motel, White Bird
  • Downtown Bourbon, Lewiston
  • Buckshot Pizza, Kamiah
  • Persephone Wine & Cider Bar, Moscow
  • Home Depot, Moscow
  • The Woodsmen Steakhouse, Juliaetta

Closings

  • JOANN Fabrics & Craft Store, Moscow

This Idaho Department of Labor project is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor for SFY25 as part of the Workforce Information grant (40%) and state/nonfederal funds (60%) totaling $885,703.

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