Author: Lisa Grigg
Regional news
North Central Idaho
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded $6.4 million in Regional Conservation Partnership Program funds to improve fish and wildlife habitat for the lower south fork Clearwater River watershed. Funds will be used for floodplain connection and large wood and boulder placement for habitat diversity. It will also create both water and land-based habitats utilizing native vegetation. Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Nez Perce County
- Sofidel America completed its acquisition of Clearwater Paper’s private label tissue production plant in Lewiston along with three other production plants in Nevada, North Carolina and Illinois. Clearwater Paper has retained ownership of its paperboard and pulp divisions. The company will sell pulp to Sofidel for tissue production. The new ownership structure will see almost 500 local Lewiston employees transferred from Clearwater Paper to Sofidel. With the acquisition, Sofidel America now operates 12 plants in 11 states and is the fourth largest tissue paper manufacturer in the U.S. with 7% market share (No. 1 being Georgia Pacific at 27%, No. 2 being Procter and Gamble at 15%, No. 3 being Kimberly-Clark at 14% and No. 5 being Essity at 6%). Clearwater Paper will lease land and facilities to Sofidel as well as provide a services and use agreement. Source: Clearwater Paper, Sofidel America
- Lewis-Clark State College’s Industrial Maintenance and Millwright Technology program was awarded a $17,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the purchase of two gas tungsten arc welders. The welders were scheduled to arrive in November 2024. Source: Lewis-Clark State College
- The City of Lewiston will be hiring an engineering firm to assess the condition of six of its eight drinking water reservoirs, plans to build a new sidewalk near Orchards Elementary School and will install additional playground equipment at Pioneer Park. Source: Lewiston Tribune
- Following the PACS Group Inc. acquisition of 53 of Prestige Care’s skilled nursing and assisted living facilities in mid-2024, Prestige Care and Rehabilitation – The Orchards has now been renamed Orchard View Post Acute. Source: PAC Group
- The Mango Tree, an Indian kitchen and tap house, has announced plans to open in downtown Lewiston and is currently hiring staff. The restaurant currently has four locations in Spokane, one in Coeur d’Alene and another in Wichita, Kansas. Source: The Mango Tree
- Marsh’s Trading Post has announced plans to close at the end of 2024. Source: Big Country News
- Denny’s has applied for a building permit in the former Shari’s restaurant location in Lewiston. Denny’s recently opened up a location in Moscow in November 2023. Source: Lewiston Tribune
Idaho County
- The Mountain View School District 244 school board voted to deconsolidate in early November. The process would break up Mountain View into two school districts – Clearwater Valley school district 245 and Grangeville school district 246. The next step is to receive approval from both the Idaho State Board of Education and by public vote in May 2025. Source: Idaho Education News
- Mountain View School District considerations:
- Idaho County covers over 8,400 square land miles and is Idaho’s largest county by area (No. 2 is Owyhee County at 7,600 square miles and No. 3 is Custer County at 4,900 square miles). Idaho County ranks as the 18th largest county by square land area in the continental U.S. Idaho County had a 2023 population of just under 18,000, a population density of just over two people per square mile (Idaho’s statewide average density of people per square mile is 23) and just over one housing unit per square mile. The Mountain View School district is the largest in Idaho and covers over 7,400 square miles (No. 2 being Bruneau-Grand View at 5,100 square miles) versus the median Idaho school district area of 386 square miles. Mountain View School district is the 8th largest school district in the continental U.S. by square land area.
- The U.S. Census Bureau five-year 2022 American Community Survey estimates 32% of Idaho County households had related children under the age of 18 residing with them, compared to 44% for Idaho statewide.
- Mountain View School District considerations:
- Syringa Hospital will be launching a new surgical service line for the treatment of acid reflux. Syringa will be the first critical access hospital nationally to offer the procedure. Source: Idaho County Free Press
- The Idaho County assessor reported 98 new homes were added throughout the county the past year, compared to an average addition of 74 per year over the last five years. This is the largest increase in 22 years. The 98 new homes have added $16 million in tax revenue, but the assessor highlighted that county appraisers have a difficult time accessing the properties in order to complete appraisals. Source: Idaho County Free Press
- Elk City was selected as an Innovia Foundation Community Heart and Soul initiative grant recipient for $30,000 towards community-based projects over the next two years. Residents will identify what is most important to them in their community and what they prioritize. Some successful outcomes from other program participants have included increased economic development, additional volunteerism, more active community engagement in decision making and community-supported programs. Source: Idaho County Free Press
- St. John Bosco Academy completed construction on the Angelus Center. The new facility includes a 26,000 square foot gymnasium and theater along with classrooms and a commercial kitchen. Source: Idaho County Free Press
Latah County
- University of Idaho was awarded a $7.8 million grant for its ECLIPSE program to promote employment training resources for college-age students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These students will attend on-campus inclusive education programs within Idaho. Source: University of Idaho
- Through a financial gift from the J.R. Simplot Family Foundation, the University of Idaho has established its first endowed deanship of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences that will receive financial support for pursuing and investing in forward looking agribusiness advancement opportunities. Source: University of Idaho
- The Latah County Library District has purchased a commercial building in Kendrick for a future library site projected to open in Fall 2025. The current Juliaetta location will close once the new site in Kendrick is up and running. The library district currently operates seven branch locations throughout Latah County. Source: Latah County Library District
- The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) has halted further construction on completing the six new miles of Highway 95 south of Moscow for the upcoming winter months. ITD generally forecasts construction season on this project to last between April and October. The project was initially expected to be open in fall of 2024 but has now been moved back to the last part of 2025. Source: Idaho Transportation Department
Clearwater County
- Orofino’s Dining on the Edge restaurant will change ownership by the end of 2024. Source: Clearwater Tribune
Openings
- STB Boutique has moved to a new location, Lewiston
- The Habit Coffee Shop has moved to a new location, Cottonwood
- Edge of Heaven Wedding and Event Barn, Deary
- Stephanie’s Biz Services, Lewiston
- Family Hospice St. Joseph Regional Medical Center is now Heart ‘n Home Hospice, Lewiston
- Deno’s Curbside Kitchen food truck, Lewiston
- Hickory Farms seasonal store in the Lewiston Center Mall
- Backwoods Brew coffee opened a new permanent location in Lewiston along with the existing mobile trailer
- Jackman Tire, Lewiston
- Reclaimed West, Lewiston
- Valentine, Olofson, and Stoffer Law Office, Lewiston
Closings
- Bait Shop Grill and Restaurant closed but is expected to be reopened under new ownership, Lewiston
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.
This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The product was created by the recipient and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The U.S. Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it. Internal use by an organization and/or personal use by an individual for non-commercial purposes is permissible. All other uses require the prior authorization of the copyright owner.
Regional news
- Troy Insurance Agency, with locations in Lewiston and Moscow, has entered into a partnership to collaborate with Leavitt Group. Leavitt currently operates in 11 offices in Idaho, including Leavitt Inland Pacific Insurance Services in Moscow. Source: Leavitt Group
Clearwater County
- Clearwater Valley Veterinary Clinic has announced plans to close the business to the public at the end of 2024 due to owner retirement. Source: Clearwater Tribune
- Material Girls quilt shop has opened their new location in the former Sears building in Orofino. Source: Clearwater Tribune
- Senator Jim Risch named Innovative Electric Services of Orofino as Idaho’s Small Business of the Month for October. Source: KOZE
Idaho County
- Salmon River Joint School District is experiencing the highest K-12 enrollment of the past decade with over 170 students district wide. The growth is coming from a mixture of residents migrating to the area as well as some formerly homeschooled students returning. Source: Idaho County Free Press
- Killgore Adventures has opened Kirby Creek Lodge outside of Riggins. Accessible only by boat, the lodge boasts six guest rooms and an on-site chef. Source: Killgore Adventures
Latah County
- The city of Bovill completed the 2024 Community Health Academy and will receive a $20,000 grant towards a health and wellness project within the community. Source: Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health
- The Garden Community School in Potlatch has announced plans to open a second child care location in Moscow in November 2024. Source: The Garden Community School
- Lombard Conrad Architects, of Boise, has been hired to study the feasibility of a new elementary school on city-owned land in south Moscow. Source: Lewiston Tribune
- Latah County Jail has recently been found to be outside of state code for fire sprinklers, electrical systems and door size. The county commissioners have asked the Latah County Sheriff to prepare cost estimates and decide how to proceed. Source: Pullman Radio
- Red Star Coffee Company received approval from the Idaho State Board of Education to build a drive-through coffee hut in a current parking lot managed by the University of Idaho. The company will next seek approval by the city of Moscow. Source: Lewiston Tribune
Nez Perce County
- Lewis-Clark State College (LCSC) was awarded a $940,000 five-year SPARC grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The SPARC program will be run in partnership with the Lewiston School District and teach students with disabilities, ages 18-21, skills such as independence, employment and success. Students will attend an academic program each morning and train at worksites in the afternoon. Funding includes the hiring of a new employment coordinator. Source: Lewis-Clark State College
- LCSC has partnered with Idaho State University (ISU) to offer ISU’s accredited paramedic education program on LCSC’s campus. ISU offers a four-semester paramedic science certificate or associate’s degree. LCSC and ISU are active partners for educating pharmacy students, physician assistants and a master of science in athletic training for LCSC students. Source: Lewiston Tribune
- LCSC has completed final requirements of the Prison Education Program (PEP) to become the first Idaho institution to receive approval by the U.S. Department of Education. The completion allows its 130 incarcerated students throughout Idaho to be eligible for Pell Grants. LCSC is one of 11 approved PEP programs in the nation and is one of only three, offering both associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. Source: Lewis-Clark State College
- Joseph Regional Medical Center was designated as a Level II Stroke Center by Idaho’s Time Sensitive Emergency System. Source: St. Joseph Regional Medical Center
Openings
- Tabby’s, coffee shop and bubble waffles food truck, Orofino.
- Style Revival, consignment clothing, Lewiston.
- Renewed Spaces Cleaning, Lewiston.
- Salty Soirees, event coordinator, Lewiston.
- Wolf Meadows, wedding venue, Helmer.
- Hopper’s Pizza Take and Bake, Grangeville.
- Happy Tails Resort, relocated to a new location in Grangeville.
- Hello Gorgeous Salon, Lewiston.
- Kalon Co. Esthetics and Body Sculpting, Lewiston.
- Canyon Inn, has reopened under new ownership, Peck.
Closings
- Northfork Café, Ahsahka.
- The Clothes Line, Lewiston.
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.
This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The product was created by the recipient and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The U.S. Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it. Internal use by an organization and/or personal use by an individual for non-commercial purposes is permissible. All other uses require the prior authorization of the copyright owner.
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.
North Central
- The Nez Perce Tribe was awarded a $37 million Climate Pollution Reduction Grant by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to install solar power infrastructure, improve residential weatherization, complete wood stove replacements and electric vehicle networks. Source: KOZE, EPA, Lewiston Tribune
- Gwen Fire Summary: The U.S. Forest Service reported a lightning bust on July 24th with over 3,000 lightning strikes that ignited 69 known wildfires throughout north central Idaho. 30-40 miles per hour wind gusts on July 25th resulted in the Gwen Fire quickly raging through nearly 29,000 acres of Nez Perce and Latah counties. Over 160 structures, including 38 primary residences, were destroyed. The fire closed parts of both Highway 3 and Highway 12 for over three days and resulted in an evacuation order for the entire City of Juliaetta.
Continue reading “Around North Central Idaho: Economic activity, August 2024”