Good morning, Lewiston.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lewis Clark Valley will offer a Christmas tree pickup in Lewiston on Saturday, Jan.

10 to collect trees placed on curbs from 9 a.m. to noon, with donations helping fund youth scholarships. Residents in Asotin and Clarkston will drop off trees at the Clubhouse from Jan. 6 to Jan. 10, with staff ready to assist.

The annual Toys for Tots campaign is underway in Lewiston-Clarkston Valley as Marine Corps volunteers—led by Sgt. Jason Brown—collect new, unwrapped toys and donations to support local children this holiday season.

The effort will occur outside a Clarkston Walmart over the next two weekends and seeks items for children ages 8 to 15.

B's Bakery in Lewiston will close its doors at the end of this month with its final week open before Christmas; the bakery (in business nearly three years) thanked customers and said the decision was made for family reasons.

AAA reported that the national average for gasoline fell to $3.00 per gallon, while Idaho prices dropped to $3.23—even though Lewiston recorded $3.13—with prices decreasing less than in many other states.

Lower crude oil prices and steady production are expected to push prices closer to $3 as winter approaches.

Numerica Credit Union's Financial Engagement Manager Jon Maroni warns that scammers are exploiting increased online shopping and holiday stress by sending fake package and charity notices, urging Lewiston consumers to verify messages through official channels.

Maroni advises slowing down and checking sender details (like email addresses) to avoid falling victim (including gift card draining scams).

Property tax bills were mailed out last week by Latah County’s treasurer office.

Taxpayers must pay in full or make a first-half payment by December 22nd, and their bills include an extra charge for over $300,000 from a $13 million utility judgment—claimed by Avista Utilities and Idaho Power over equal property assessments—listed under charges and credits.