Around North Central Idaho: Economic activity, September 2024

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

Region

  • In early September, the U.S. Drought Monitor downgraded most of the north central region from D1 Moderate Drought to D2 Severe Drought as dry conditions persist. Source: US Drought Monitor
  • Wheat harvest in north central Idaho has been challenging due to extremely low market prices that could realistically result in operational losses for local farmers. Winter wheat had above average yields while spring wheat varied from below-to-average yields. Weather was listed as the top issue for the 2024 crop season. Source: PNW Co-Op
  • A shortage of referees and officials is resulting in regional fall volleyball and football games being rescheduled and potentially canceled throughout the region. Source: Lewiston Tribune, KOZE, Idaho County Free Press
  • Local government outlooks for the next fiscal year:
    • Latah County is seeing budget increases for employee salaries, June 2025 Kohberger trial expenses, and grants covering internet broadband deployment offset by predicted lower revenue distributions from sales taxes and alcohol.
    • The city of Moscow will increase property taxes by 4% and add three new paid paramedic/firefighter positions, $5 million toward the construction of a new city shop facility and proposed 4% cost of living increase to city staff. The city eliminated six positions in Fiscal Year 2024 that will remain vacant and unfunded for the upcoming year.
    • Nez Perce County will purchase a microwave simulcast repeater for improved emergency communications, add a cybersecurity position, and pay final completion bills of the newly constructed county courthouse.
    • The city of Lewiston plans to cut unfilled positions (transit driver, groundskeeper, administrative assistant and arborist) and reduce cash reserves to keep property tax rates flat in the upcoming year. It may look to hire more police officers for the 2025-26 fiscal year.

Nez Perce County

  • Preliminary Fall 2024 enrollment numbers (as of the first day of class) show Lewis-Clark State College up 2.5%, driven by a 15% increase in Technical and Industrial Division students and a 9% increase in the Nursing and Health Sciences Department. Final enrollment numbers will be provided in October. Source: LCSC
  • Lewis-Clark State College’s accounting, business administration and business management degree programs received reaccreditation though the International Accreditation Council for Business Education. Source: Lewis-Clark State College
  • The Union Gospel Mission has started construction on its 92-bed rescue center in Lewiston. Along with the main dormitory building, satellite facilities will include a dining hall, chapel, administrative offices and a day care. Expected opening is in November 2025 and will employ 18-22 employees. Source: Lewiston Tribune

Idaho County

  • The Mountain View School District board voted to have a proposed new wrestling building out for bid. The funding for the 50-foot by 75-foot wrestling gym would be funded from the Zumwalt estate donation. Source: Idaho County Free Press
  • The Riggins Canyon Rescue Team is being established to provide search and rescue services in the Salmon River canyon. The team is seeking members that can commit to monthly meetings and training courses. Source: Idaho County Free Press
  • The Idaho Water Resource Board awarded a $2 million aging infrastructure grant to the city of Cottonwood to replace and expand its wastewater re-use irrigation system. Source: Idaho Water Resource Board

Latah County

  • Jersey Mike’s Subs had its grand opening in Moscow on August 21 and currently employs 30 people. Jersey Mike’s now operates 16 locations throughout Idaho with Moscow being the only location in north/north central Idaho (Coeur d’Alene is in the works.) Source: Lewiston Tribune, Jersey Mike’s
  • University of Idaho received approval from the Idaho State Board of Education to begin construction on the $17.2 million Meat Science and Innovation Center. Source: Idaho State Board of Education
  • The National Endowment for the Humanities awarded nearly $100,000 to the University of Idaho toward the research and writing of a book that will dive into the history of fire management. Source: National Endowment for the Humanities
  • Moscow Contemporary (aka MosCo) will be opening its new location in the Palouse Mall in late September. The nonprofit entity hosts art exhibitions, after school art programs and other community connections events. Source: Lewiston Tribune, Moscow Contemporary
  • Lightcast acquired Stratigens, a U.K. based talent intelligence company. Stratigen’s combined workforce and workplace data is used to help organizations plan strategies for workforce talent and company growth. Stratigens was founded in 2018 and currently employs around 10 workers. Lightcast began operations in the UK in 2012. Source: Lightcast
  • Chick-Fil-A has filed a grading permit with the city of Moscow to build a new 4,987-square-foot restaurant at the Palouse Place Mall. Source: City of Moscow Building Permits

Clearwater County

  • The city of Orofino’s Mayor and Pro-Tem (who conducts meetings in the mayor’s absence) resigned at the end of August for unknown reasons. The Orofino City Council elected a new Pro-Tem council president during the following meeting. There is no legal deadline to re-elect a city mayor, but it will help move city business and operations forward if it can be completed sooner rather than later. Source: City of Orofino, Clearwater Tribune

Lewis County

  • The Idaho Heritage Trust awarded a $20,000 emergency grant prioritizing roof and ceiling structure repairs for the First Indian Presbyterian Church of Kamiah. The building has been temporarily closed until damaged joists and water damage can be fixed. Built in 1873, it is the oldest continuously used Presbyterian Church in Idaho. Source: Idaho County Free Press

Openings

  • TJ Excavation and Utilities, Moscow.
  • Denny’s, Moscow.
  • SmasHouse Burgers and Tacos food truck, Lewiston.
  • Retro on Main, Kendrick.

Closings

  • Jo-Jo’s Kendrick Café, Kendrick.
  • First Bank of Pizza and Pastry, Juliaetta.
  • Angie’s Country Kitchen restaurant, Craigmont.
  • Sonnen Meats (due to structure fire), Greencreek.
  • Bee’s Knees (moved from Lewiston to a Washington location).
  • The Donkey Den sports bar, Lewiston.
  • Star Kids Daycare, Lewiston.
  • Little Bugs Play and Learn, Lewiston.
  • Super China Buffet, Lewiston.
  • Claire’s in the Lewiston Center Mall, Lewiston.

This Idaho Department of Labor project is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor for SFY24 as part of the Workforce Information grant (48%) and state/nonfederal (52%) totaling $704,259.

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