Good morning, Lewiston.

Backwoods Brew broke ground on its brick+and+mortar building at the Snake River site on Thursday, March 26, with LC Valley Chamber members in attendance.

Owner Shania Woods said construction is expected to be completed in 3 to 4 months to offer a permanent spot for specialty drinks.

Idaho residents are invited to craft handmade ornaments for the Capitol Christmas Tree in a contest themed (Over the rivers and through the woods); entries must be lightweight, colorful, and use natural or recyclable materials and drop off at ranger stations in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests by Sept. 1.

Lewis-Clark State College will host its 42nd Art Under the Elms from April 17 through 19 at its campus, featuring an artisan marketplace with over 100 vendors selling ceramics, jewelry, art & glassware, plus live music, food, children’s activities, and regional authors.

Lewis-Clark State College honored 10 employees at its awards ceremony yesterday at the LC State Center for Arts + History, recognizing outstanding teaching, service, retirements and emeritus status.

State superintendent Debbie Critchfield’s high-needs bill for special education passed the House on Tuesday with a 49-21 vote after a 22-12 Senate vote on Feb.

26, sending it to Gov. Brad Little; the one-time $5M fund is designed to help schools cover costly services for high-needs students.

More than 22,000 acres of privately owned forestland in North Idaho have been permanently protected in a conservation deal among Trust for Public Land, Inland Empire Paper Company, the Idaho Department of Lands and the USDA Forest Service.

The agreement keeps timber production active + provides public access, wildlife support and safeguards clean drinking water for local communities.