If you’ve driven down 23rd Street lately, you probably noticed the orange cones are multiplying. It’s not just your imagination. As of Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the City of Lewiston has officially kicked off a significant infrastructure overhaul that is going to change how the Orchards handles the next big downpour.
Jones Excavation, LLC is currently on-site between 13th and 14th avenues. They aren't just digging holes for the sake of it; they are racing to fix a stormwater drainage system that’s been threatening to swallow sections of the road. Literally. Sinkholes have been forming near the sewer lines due to erratic runoff, and the city finally pulled the trigger on a catch basin upgrade to stop the ground from dissolving under our tires.
Work is scheduled daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Expect this to last until at least January 23. If you’re used to cutting through that undeveloped property area to save three minutes, you’re basically better off taking the long way around for the next week.
The Paycheck Problem: No Raises for Idaho State Employees?
While Lewiston deals with its literal holes in the ground, a metaphorical one is opening up in Boise that affects plenty of folks right here in Nez Perce County.
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Breaking news out of the state capitol this week confirms that Idaho is staring down a budget shortfall somewhere between $600 million and $1 billion. That is a staggering number. Governor Brad Little’s current proposal for the 2026 fiscal year includes exactly zero dollars for state employee pay raises.
"Maybe this year it's going to be a little off the table," House Speaker Mike Moyle mentioned in a press conference Monday. It’s a tough pill to swallow for the 25,000 people working for the state. To make matters worse, health insurance costs are projected to climb by about 7.3%. For the average worker, that means an extra $29 to $654 coming out of their pocket every year just to keep the same coverage.
Honestly, the timing couldn't be worse. A recent Idaho Division of Human Resources report shows that state salaries are already lagging 15% behind the private sector. We’re seeing a 14.6% turnover rate because people can’t afford to stay. Local leaders like Rep. John Gannon are calling the situation "dysfunctional," but with the "maintenance budgets" being set on January 23, the window to fix this is closing fast.
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New Rules for Your Driveway and Mailbox
You might have missed a subtle but important change in city code this week. Lewiston just updated its address signage requirements, specifically targeting "flag lots" and properties with long or shared driveways.
Basically, if your house isn't clearly visible from the main street, the fire department is tired of playing hide-and-seek. The new rules mandate that address signs must be placed at road entrances, intersections, and turnarounds. They have to meet specific size and visibility standards. No more weathered wooden numbers hidden behind a lilac bush. If a fire truck can't find you in the dark, these new standards are meant to bridge that gap.
If you aren't sure if your lot counts as a "flag lot," you've got to call the Public Works Department. It’s a small thing until you’re the one waiting for an ambulance that’s circling the block.
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Sports and Local Arrests
On the hardwood, the Lewiston High girls' basketball team had a solid Tuesday night. They took down Moscow 46-37, thanks in large part to Darta Serdane’s 12 points. They’re sitting at 7-8 now, but more importantly, they are 1-0 in Inland Empire League play.
On a heavier note, the Nez Perce County Adult Detention Center has seen some internal drama. An inmate already in custody is now facing a fresh felony charge for aggravated assault following an attack inside the jail. Meanwhile, over in Kooskia, a 64-year-old man was picked up on Tuesday for failing to register as a sex offender, a reminder that local law enforcement is tightening the screws on compliance checks this month.
What You Should Do Now
The landscape in Lewiston is shifting—both physically on the roads and financially in the state budget. Here is how to stay ahead of these updates:
- Adjust your commute: Avoid 23rd Street between 13th and 14th Avenues until after January 23 to bypass the Jones Excavation work crews.
- Check your signage: If you live on a shared driveway or a set-back lot, verify your house numbers are visible from the public right-of-way to avoid potential city citations under the new fire access road requirements.
- State Employees: Keep a close eye on the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee meeting on January 23. That’s when the "maintenance budgets" are finalized, and it will be the clearest indicator of whether that pay freeze is set in stone.
- New Driver's License Location: If you need to renew your license, don't go to the old spot. The Nez Perce County Driver's License office officially reopened today, Wednesday, January 14, at its new home: 1129 F Street, right next to the Auto License building.
Stay sharp, keep your eyes on the road, and maybe double-check your health insurance premium estimates if you’re on the state payroll.