C ounty C ommentary Local perspectives from the Gem State
November/December 2012
Edited & Published by
www.idcounties.org
Featured in this issue: IAC Annual Conference Wrap Up
County Spotlights: Custer County Elmore County
NACo: WIR sets Legislative Priorities
Our Town Grant Guidelines
JACK CARPENTER (208) 333-2393
T able
of Features
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C ontents
NACo: WIR Priorities
Spotlight on: Custer County
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IAC Annual Wrap Up
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Spotlight on: Elmore County
Also Inside: Upfront @ IAC............................4 NACo News...............................5 Cybersecurity Report...............12 FAQs about MS-IAC.................14 Calendar..................................20 Funding Opportunities.............21 ICRMP News............................26
IAC S taff
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Executive Director Dan Chadwick dchadwick@idcounties.org
Deputy Director Tony Poinelli tpoinelli@idcounties.org
Marketing & Events Director Financial Officer Kristin Cundiff Amanda Pendleton kcundiff@idcounties.org apendleton@idcounties.org Policy Analyst Seth Grigg sgrigg@idcounties.org
Member Services Assistant Caitlin Rusche crusche@idcounties.org
Policy Analyst Kerry Ellen Elliott kelliott@idcounties.org
Member Services Assistant Morgan Hochstrasser mhochstrasser@idcounties.org
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Vice President Patty Weeks Nez Perce County
Secretary Len Humphries Fremont County
Treasurer Robert McQuade Ada County
Immediate Past Pres. Lee Staker Bonneville County
Seasons Greetings! We’re as busy as Santa in his workshop! The Legislature convenes on January 7 and we’ve been studying the issues and preparing our strategy for the upcoming session.
Information collection for the 2013 Directory is underway. If you need to update your photo or your contact information, please let us know. We’ll also be distributing the Salary Survey soon, so check your email boxes. As always, we welcome your submissions. Call the office at (208) 345-9126 or email Morgan at mhochstrasser@ idcounties.org
Thanks
The IAC Staff
Past President Roger Christensen Bonneville County
Past President Abbie Mace Fremont County
Past President Brent Bunn Bear Lake County
Past President Lori Beck Butte County
Clerks Rep. Sara Staub Bingham County
Assessors Rep. Mike McDowell Kootenai County
Prosecutors Rep. Clayne Tyler Clearwater County
Coroners Rep. Dennis Chambers Twin Falls County
Treasurers Rep. Ellen Sauer Shoshone County
Sheriffs Rep. Shaun Gough Gooding County IACC Rep. Bill Brown Adams County
IACC Rep. Kathy Alder Canyon County IACC Rep. George Urie Twin Falls County
D irectors
We’re now accepting 2013 IAC Scholarship applications. Rules, instructions and forms are on the IAC website and you can call the office and ask for Caitlin if you have any questions.
Past President Patty Baucher Gooding County
of
Our Midwinter Legislative conference is scheduled for February 4-7. Visit our website to register for the conference and your affiliate meetings. We’re also working hard on our webinar series; be sure to check out the website for more information.
Past President Lorin Nielsen Bannock County
B oard
upfront @ iac
President Erwin Sonnenberg Ada County
NACo Rep. Don Davis Lewis County
WIR Rep. Gordon Cruickshank Valley County
Ada County Rep. Rick Yzaguirre Ada County
Canyon County Rep. Gene Kuehn Canyon County
District 1 Rep. Glenda Poston Boundary County
District 2 Rep. Susan Petersen Latah County
District 3 Rep. Marc Shigeta Payette County District 5 Rep. Steve Hadley Bannock County
District 4 Rep. Paul Christensen Cassia County District 6 Rep. Greg Shenton Clark County
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County Commentary • November/December
NACO News NACo’s Western Interstate Region sets 2012-13 priorities for western U.S. counties WASHINGTON, D.C. – The stability of the historic Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program and accurate PILT program revenue forecasting from the federal government were among the National Association of Counties’ (NACo) Western Interstate Region (WIR) top priorities adopted during the organization’s fall board of directors’ meeting, Oct. 4-5 in Kodiak, Alaska. The WIR board of directors said county officials representing western U.S. counties will urge Congress to maintain full mandatory funding for the PILT program and identify a multi-year solution for future payments to respect local governments’ annual budgeting process. WIR is affiliated with NACo and is dedicated to the promotion of western interests within NACo. Its membership consists of 15 western states with membership funded through the individual state associations. WIR’s 2012-13 top priorities are as follows: • Western counties urge Congress to maintain full mandatory funding for Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program. Congress should identify a multi-year solution for future payments to respect local governments’ annual budgeting process and desire for more accurate revenue forecasting. • Western counties support the continuation of federal revenue sharing payments to counties from natural resource extraction activities (i.e. Secure Rural Schools and Community Self- Determination Act, FWS Refuge Revenue Sharing program, and future alternative energy revenue sharing payments). • Western counties encourage the sustainable use of natural resources for economic development through easing of federal regulations on federal lands. Remove federal barriers to efficient and sustainable natural resource development activities (i.e. federal forest management, grazing, oil, gas, and mineral extraction).
Additionally, counties encourage federal coordination with county governments in the development of utility corridors on public lands. • Western counties encourage Congress to recognize that many federally owned lands are exempt from local taxation and not eligible as entitlement acres under PILT. Congress should identify ways to develop federal “PILT-like” payments for non-taxable lands including: military, tribal, and trust lands. • Western counties support the adoption of a multiyear reauthorization of the Farm Bill. Specifically, WIR will work with NACo’s Agriculture and Rural Affairs Steering Committee to raise the profile of NACo’s Farm Bill priorities, which include support for renewable energy, beginning and young farmers and flexibly funded rural development programs that encourage regional innovation. WIR President Jerome Selby, mayor, Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska, said it is important that Congress keeps the promises made to western counties and communities. He said the board meeting was most productive and that he was thankful for the special guest speakers who participated, including: Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska); Schawna Thoma, aide to U.S. Sen. Mark Begich (D-Alaska), and Captain Jerald L. Woloszynski, U.S.C.G., Coast Guard Base Kodiak. For more information, contact Ryan 202.942.4207 or visit www.naco.org.
Yates
2013 NACo Legislative Conference Washington Hilton March 2-6
Registration Opens November 27 Visit NACo’s website for more information
at
6 WIR REPORT Written by WIR Representative Gordon Cruickshank while attending the WIR Board meeting on October 3rd through the 5th in Kodiak, Alaska
this base taxi four miles to the main Kodiak Airport and use their strip.
Wednesday Oct. 3rd. This was tour day. The first part of our tour was a drive by of the fish cannery facilities in Kodiak. If my memory serves me right there are 8 canneries there, one of which is a converted ship that was beached during the earthquake of 1963. They poured a foundation around it to keep it stable and it has been a cannery since. Wages at the canneries are $9 to $10 to start and all the over time you want. It was reported many make $60,000 to $70,000 per year working in the canneries. The next stop was the National Marine Fisheries Aquarium and Research Center. We were able view the many types of fish and other aquatic species that live in this part of the ocean around Alaska. Some of the exhibits were hands on so folks got to touch Sea Cucumbers, Star Fish and an Octopus to name a few. On our way to our next stop we were able to drive by the dry dock where “Time Bandit” from “The Deadliest Catch” was being worked on to be ready for this next season of crabbing. It was interesting to learn that this vessel’s home base is Kodiak due to this harbor not freezing over during the winter. On we went to the largest Coast Guard Base for the USA. 1,100 people live and work out of this base. While there we viewed two of the larger vessels of their Cutter fleet that had just returned from duty protecting the fishing waters in the Bering Sea. Both of these vessels had been deployed in July and were just now coming back to home base for resupply. Within the Base is an entire town setting complete with all the amenities you would find in any small city. Stores, Movie Theatre, Bowling Alley, Schools for K thru 8th, Public Works Department, Etc. Even with Kodiak in a close proximity the base provides a huge amount of employee housing for their folks. The only item they didn’t have on base was an airstrip. The planes used by
After that we drove southwest for quite some time to the Alaska Aerospace Launch facility. This facility is utilized to launch small size satellite missiles into space. This facility is not a military site so it can be leased by any company who wishes to launch a satellite into space using the north/ south axis. We toured the control room and adjoining office space where a company would work while using the facility. After a quick lunch, we went to the actual launch site. This site is built to house a missile up to 150 feet tall and all enclosed so you can work inside a controlled environment. After the entire missile is assembled one half of the building opens up by folding away two sides of the building to have the missile free standing outside the rest of the building. This was very impressive to imagine the size of this building opening up. We then went to the building where all the components are delivered to prior to assembly. Once the components are all soft fitted to make sure the components fit correctly the missile is moved within the building to the launch site. Yes part of the building moves on giant rails to the launch site ¼ mile away ensuring the missile is clean and ready for final assembly at the launch site. We also had a short presentation on a working cattle/buffalo ranch that surrounds the facility. They are moving more towards the buffalo side as they can protect their young better by fending off the bears on Kodiak than the regular Herford type cattle.
County Commentary • November/December
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Surfing in Alaska? Yes we even stopped at a pop- I also found it interesting that not all of Alaska is ular spot on the island where locals do surf the covered by boroughs some areas are just left to ocean. However on the day we were there no one their own devices of the natives who live there. was surfing. The afternoon was spent conducting some planThursday Oct. 4th. ning sessions and discussion on what the WIR We all met at the hotel to learn more about the needs to focus on into the future. Looking at the local area. Presentations were made on the fol- legislative issues that will be facing the states we lowing; represent and how we can provide the informa• History of the Alaska Natives on Kodiak Island tion needed to help keep the rest of the folks inby the Ex Director of the Alutiiq Museum and formed. During this time we heard from the SpeArchaeological Repository cial Assistant to the Secretary of Alaska Affairs and • Kodiak Brown Bear Refuge by the Refuge from the Deputy State Director for Alaska Senator Manager of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Mark Begich. Both discussed the issues Alaska • U.S Coast Guard Base by Captain Woloszynski faces today which are very similar to the ones we (who also was our guide of the base) face. • NOAA Fisheries and their involvement with research of the fisheries The Board discussed items such as conference • Groundfish Data Bank, which is a program to calls and communication by members on issues. understand sustainable allowable fishing sea- Many topics were discussed to look at for priorisons ties and most felt we needed to set some main priorities and not get bogged down with trying There was also a presentation by Kathie Wasser- to do it all. Remembering that Ryan Yates from man with the Alaska Municipal League (the Dan NACo is our only staff person who is assigned to Chadwick of Alaska) although Kathie has cities as us has to be a consideration as well. well as Boroughs (counties) to work with. Kathie did a slide show of the various towns and bor- Friday Oct. 5th oughs she works with and the accessibility of lack Started off with a presentation by Representative of that Alaska has. Some towns may or may not Don Young of Alaska who discussed the issue of have internet and some may or may not have fax- other states needing to pay for the public lands to es that work. This was very interesting as it makes stay public, management by states of the public us all realize how much we take for granted. Sub- lands, cutting budgets across the board does not sistence living was a topic that she spoke about. work, and we cannot recover from a depression Many folks in Alaska are allowed to just live off without utilizing the true wealth of the Natural what the land can provide, however it does have Resources. Now to do this will require convincing its bag limits on what can be hunted or fished. We the eastern states which will be hard to do. also learned that each citizen of Alaska received a Permanent Fund Distribution (PFD) check once We then started working on priorities for WIR. You per year from the oil produced in Alaska. Once can read about the priorities in the WIR Press Reyou have a minimum of one year of residency you lease (page 5). are eligible to receive a check. This includes every person from the smallest to the oldest all receive Flying in and out of Alaska is interesting in itself a check. So most families will pool their checks to as many made several attempts to reach Kodiak stock up on supplies, buy a new 4-wheeler, snow- before they made it. mobile, boat, etc. She also warned us that when checks are sent out the local bars get very busy. We were in Alaska the week the PFD checks were received.
10 county spotlight
Historical and scenic Custer County, founded in 1881 and located in Central Idaho, has a population of 4,185 and an area of 4,938 sq. miles. It’s landscape consists of arid desert, flat green valleys, and rugged rocky peaks and contains the highest mountain in Idaho, Mount Borah at 12,662 ft. The County Seat is Challis, with a population of just over 900. Other small towns include Mackay, Stanley, and Clayton. Custer County relies on ranching, mining, and tourism as its main resources. Custer County contains much of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness and the famous Salmon River as well as the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
Custer County
County Commentary • November/December
Custer County Fast Facts Founded: 1881 Seat: Challis Area: 4,936 sq miles Population: 4,368 www.co.custer.id.us
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12 Many of our critical government services rely on the Internet and technology to function. While this inter-connectivity has many benefits—such as convenience and efficiency—there are risks associated with this digital environment. The cyber challenges facing us continue to escalate. We only need to look at the headlines to understand that the risks are real and that local governments are vulnerable: hacktivist groups targeting local police departments across the nation, disgruntled employees hacking into municipal networks, and public health records being stolen by cyber criminals are just a few recent cases targeting local governments.
zens and business partners to safeguard the information with which they are entrusted and to keep mission critical operations functioning.
Don’t Get Overwhelmed…Get Started! Addressing these challenges can seem daunting. Especially for those with a lack of experience or resources to address the constant evolving and increasing threats from cyberspace, it is difficult to know what to do or how to get started. But, there are many proactive steps that can strengthen your county’s cyber security posture, and many of them can be implemented with a relatively small amount of fiscal and staff resources. In fact, a recent report found that 96% of data breaches Some specific examples of how your county’s could have been avoided if simple controls were computer system could be affected by a cyber se- in place.1 curity incident—whether because of improper cyber security controls, manmade or natural disasters, or malicious users wreaking havoc— include the following: Your websites could be disabled and unavailable to your citizens. • Criminals could break into your systems and steal personal and sensitive information about your employees or citizens. • A virus could shut down your network. • A laptop or mobile device could be inadvertently lost, putting any data on that machine at risk for compromise. • A malicious user could use your systems to atSteps Every County Official Should Take tack other systems. Designate a principal individual responsible for These and other information security incidents cyber security. This may be a part-time or fullwould certainly have a negative impact on your time assignment depending on the scope and ability to provide services to citizens, may be cost- complexity of your organization’s operations. It ly to recover from and could potentially result in a may be your county’s Information Technology director, a third-party consultant or other designee. loss of public confidence. Local governments have a responsibility to citi-
County Commentary • November/December
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Make sure this individual can provide you with an- threat prevention, protection, response and reswers to these questions: covery for the nation’s state, local, territorial and tribal governments. • How are we protecting our cyber infrastructure and residents’ data? The MS-ISAC provides a number of resources • What policies and procedures are in place for at no cost to its members, including incident rephysically protecting our equipment from au- sponse; cyber alerts and advisories; monthly webthorized access, loss or theft? cast meetings; annual in-person meeting; trainings • What is our plan for responding to a cyber se- and exercises; annual Cyber Security Awareness curity incident? Month materials; and a community of practice for • What cyber security policies are in place? Is information sharing between and among states staff trained on those policies? and local governments. There is no cost to join the MS-ISAC and memberMake sure that cyber security is factored into busi- ship is open to all state, local, territorial and tribness decisions and that the individual (s) respon- al governments. To learn more about how your sible for cyber security in your county are involved county government can become a member and in the discussions whenever a new program or take advantage of this resource, contact the MSservice is being considered. ISAC: Serve as the champion for cyber security in your county. Make sure you adhere to best practices, such as using a strong password, never opening unknown attachments in emails, and only visiting trusted websites. Engage the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center for Help For assistance with any of the above tips, and to learn more about keeping your county protected, contact the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC). The MS-ISAC is a division of the not-for-profit Center for Internet Security, and is designated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as a key resource for cyber
Center for Internet Security Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center 518-266-3460 Email: info@msisac.org (put new member in the subject line) http://msisac.cisecurity.org/ 2011 Data Breach Investigations Report -- Verizon, U.S. Secret Service, Dutch High Tech Crime Unit
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Reprinted with permission from the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania Newsletter
Benefits of Membership
The Multi-‐State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-‐ISAC) is a voluntary and collaborative effort based on a strong partnership with the National Cyber Security Division within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The MS-‐ISAC has been designated by DHS as the key resource for cyber threat prevention, protection, response and recovery for the nation’s state, local, territorial and tribal (SLTT) governments. Through its state-‐of-‐the-‐art 24/7 Security Operations Center, the MS-‐ISAC serves as a central resource for situational awareness and incident response for SLTT governments.
“The [MS-‐ISAC] new operations center builds on a long-‐standing information sharing partnership between MS-‐ISAC and the Department and will both enhance situational awareness at the state and local level…and allow the federal government to quickly and efficiently provide critical cyber risk, vulnerability, and mitigation data to state and local governments.” U.S. DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano, November 2010
For more information please visit
www.msisac.org
Chad Baker/Photodisc/Thinkstock
• • • • • • •
•
24x7 Security Operations Center Incident Response Resources Cyber Security Advisories Cyber Event Notifications Daily cyber tips Network Monitoring Secure p ortals for communication and document sharing Alert status map
• • • • • • • • •
Top Attacking sites Monthly n ewsletters Bi-‐monthly webcasts Monthly Webcast Meetings Annual Membership Meeting Monthly threat briefings Cyber Security exercises Awareness/Education materials Training discounts
Multi-‐State Information Sharing and Analysis Center 31 Tech Valley Drive East Greenbush, NY 12061 Phone: 518.266.3460 Email: info@msisac.org William F. Pelgrin, Chair Thomas F. Duffy, Executive Director
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the MS-‐ISAC?
Membership is open to all state, local, territorial, and tribal government entities involved in cyber security and/or critical i nfrastructure protection. Who are the members?
The MS-‐ISAC currently includes representatives from all 50 states, all 50 state capitals, dozens of local
governments and several U.S. territories.
What does it cost to join the MS-‐ISAC?
There is no cost to join the MS-‐ISAC. It is primarily supported by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to serve as the central cyber security resource for the nation’s state, local, territorial and tribal g overnments. The MS-‐ISAC is a division of the national not-‐for-‐profit Center for Internet Security.
Can the MS-‐ISAC help me with a cyber incident?
Yes. The MS-‐ISAC’s Computer Emergency Response Team (MS-‐ISAC CERT) comprises highly trained staff who are able to assist you with a cyber security incident. MS-‐ISAC CERT can provide malware analysis, reverse engineering, log analysis, and forensics analysis.
Can other members of my organization join?
Yes. Each organization designates a “Primary Member” who is then responsible for authorizing additional individuals in their organization to become members.
Are there any requirements to joining?
The only requirement is the completion of a membership agreement, which sets forth the responsibilities of members to protect information that is shared.
Are there any educational or training resources available?
Yes. In addition to advisories and information bulletins regarding the latest cyber threats and vulnerabilities, the MS-‐ISAC provides a variety of educational, awareness, and training resources and opportunities.
Does the MS-‐ISAC work with federal agencies, private sector groups, and the other ISACs?
Yes. The MS-‐ISAC works closely with federal partners at DHS, along with FBI, Secret S ervice and others to better share information on emerging threats. The MS-‐ISAC also has strong relationships with m ajor ISPs, cyber security firms, researchers, and software developers.
How do I join?
Contact Kristin Judge or Ryan Spelman or visit www.msisac.org to learn more.
Kristin Judge Director of Partner Engagement Email: Kristin.Judge@cisecurity.org Phone: 518-‐368-‐8824
Ryan Spelman Director of Government Affairs Email: Ryan.Spelman@cisecurity.org Phone: 518-‐266-‐3483
16 Idaho Association of Counties
Annual Conference Wrap-up It is an honor to serve this great organization as your President. As County Elected Officials we do more in setting the standard for the state of Idaho than any other group of public officials. As I stated at our September conference, we have built an incredible legacy for our members and the State of Idaho. ICRMP, the GemPlan and the CAT program are just a few of successes that immediately come to mind. IAC has an incredibly successful committee structure that helps us in every way to be successful.
and just because we have done it a particular way does not mean there could not be a better way. We have an obligation to maintain high ethical standards. If we don’t, then it will be more difficult to carry out our responsibilities as we advocate for our counties and serve the public. We just went through another round of elections with many changes to the face of county government. For all you newly elected officials, do not be afraid to call other elected officials to get advice. Wisdom and knowledge is gained quite often from mistakes and failures. We have all made them. Let us help you from making some of the same ones we made. We do not have to agree all the time but we do need to work together and respect each other’s opinions.
I have been in office for 33 years and have seen many of us come and go. We have many great We have come a long way. Yet there is much more people in our organization. Let’s work together work to be done together to build on that legacy and move Idaho forward. Let’s lead the way showand create a better future for Idaho’s counties and ing our citizens how Idaho’s county elected offiour citizens. This will require a lot of teamwork cials make a difference. and a lot of discussion to get the job done. Those who elect us and expect us to serve honor- A Thought To Ponder: Do you act on what you ably have put their trust in us to do the best we believe or are you a person of just words? can to honor that trust. We owe it to our voters and citizens to do just that. My Answer After Thinking It Over: Let’s grow stronger by acting rather than weaker merely Our sense of ethical responsibility and conduct speaking. is critical in doing it well and doing it right. We will visit this concept many times over the next year. Many times we are faced with making the right decisions and doing them right. Sometimes it simply means doing the RIGHT THING. We are given many options on how to perform our jobs Erwin Sonnenberg President IAC
County Commentary • November/December
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IAC Award Winners Spotlight Sydney Duncombe Award for Excellence in County Government: In order to promote continuing improvement in county government in the state of Idaho, and in recognition of individuals residing in this great state who have made significant contributions to the furtherance of county government, the Idaho Association of Counties’ Board of Directors established the “H. SYDNEY DUNCOMBE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN COUNTY GOVERNMENT”, in honor of Dr. H. Sydney Duncombe. For many years Dr. Duncombe was a professor of political science and served as Director of the Bureau of Public Affairs Research for the University of Idaho. During his tenure, Dr. Duncombe taught and assisted hundreds of students and county officials, providing to all a better understanding of county and local government in Idaho. He was the primary author of and is responsible for the publication of the “Handbook for County Elected Officials in Idaho.” He was the first director of the Idaho Division of Financial Management and created methods for improving and updating the budget and finance process for local government.
2012 Mills Adler Winners
• Cleone Jolley
Bingham County Idaho Association of Commissioners and Clerks
• Kristina Glascock
Twin Falls County Idaho Association of County Recorders and Clerks
• Chris James
Custer County Idaho Association of County Assessors
• Jonathan Walker
Bonneville County Idaho Association of County Coroners
• Dave Johnson
Bingham County Idaho Sheriffs Association
• Janice Lawes Bingham County Idaho Association of County Treasurers
• Jim J. Thomas Blaine County Idaho Association of Prosecuting Attorneys
Mills Adler Award A strong and effective organization is dependent upon the involvement of many dedicated individuals. IAC (including all of its component associations) strives to be a strong and effective organization, supporting the important role of county government, from which its members can draw knowledge, gain experience, and share problems. Such a goal cannot be achieved without members that are willing to give of themselves for the betterment of the organization. In order to promote continuing involvement within our associations and in recognition of elected officials that have made significant contributions to the improvement of the Idaho Association of Counties through their dedicated services, this award was initiated. This award is named in honor of two distinguished county elected officials: the late Darwin Mills, Lincoln County Sheriff, and the late Betty Adler, Payette County Treasurer. Both Darwin and Betty exemplified the qualities all county elected officials attempt to strive for.
18 IAC Annual Wrap up
County Commentary • November/December
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YOU CivicPlus creates community engagement tools. Our online solutions have the power to transform the way your community does business. Click here to get more information about your membership benefit discount to IAC members.
20 Calendar FEATURED TRAINING & CONFERENCES
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New Sheriffs School December 3- 7 • Boise Assessors Meeting December 4 • Boise IAC Board Meeting December 6 • Conference Call
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Legislative Primer December 19 • IAC Webinar Legislature Convenes January 7 • Boise Courthouse Relationships January 23 • IAC Webinar IAC Midwinter Legislative Conference February 4-7 • Boise Ethics February 13 • IAC Webinar
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NACo Legislative Conference March 2-6 • Washington D.C. County Budgeting & Finance March 20 • IAC Webinar BOE Training April 10 • IAC Webinar Social Services Conference April 16-18 • Coeur d’Alene IAC Board Planning & Development Meeting April 24-26 • Riggins
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County Commentary • September/October
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Funding opportunities
The State Department of Education will award approximately 1.5 million for afterschool programs for the 2013-2014 school year. Funding is made possible through a federal allocation to states under the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program Title IVB. Successful applicants receive funding for up to five years. Eligible applicants include school districts, municipalities, community based organizations, faith-based organizations and private corporations. Letters of Intent* to Apply are due December 7, 2012 to: Matt Hyde, Coordinator State Department of Education Click here for the Department 650 W State St, 2nd Floor of Education Grant webpage PO Box 83720 Boise, ID 83720-0027 *A one sentence statement identifying the organization and intent to apply
National Endowment for the Arts: Our Town Grant Applications are open Grant Program Description Art works to improve the lives of America’s citizens in many ways. Communities across our nation are leveraging the arts and engaging design to make their communities more livable with enhanced quality of life, increased creative activity, a distinct sense of place, and vibrant local economies that together capitalize on their existing assets. The NEA defines these efforts as the process of Creative Placemaking: “In creative placemaking, partners from public, private, nonprofit, and community sectors strategically shape the physical and social character of a neighborhood, town, tribe, city, or region around arts and cultural activities. Creative placemaking animates public and private spaces, rejuvenates structures and streetscapes, improves local business viability and public safety, and brings diverse people together to celebrate, inspire, and be inspired.” Ann Markusen, Markusen Economic Research Services Anne Gadwa Nicodemus, Metris Arts Consulting From Creative Placemaking
Through Our Town, subject to the availability of funding, the National Endowment for the Arts will provide a limited number of grants, ranging from $25,000 to $200,000, for creative placemaking projects that contribute toward the livability of communities and help transform them into lively, beautiful, and sustainable places with the arts at their core. Our Town will invest in creative and innovative projects in which communities, together with their arts and design organizations and artists, seek to: • Improve their quality of life. • Encourage greater creative activity. • Foster stronger community identity and a sense of place. • Revitalize economic development. Deadline Date You are required to submit your application electronically through Grants.gov, the federal government’s online application system. The Grants.gov system must receive your validated and accepted application no later than 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on January 14, 2013. We strongly recommend that you submit at least 10 days in advance of the deadline to give yourself ample time to resolve any problems that you might encounter. We will not accept late applications.
Click here for the Our Town Grant Application
22 county spotlight
Elmore County One hundred and fifty years before the appearance of white explorers this majestic land belonged to the American Indians. The Shoshoni and Bannock Indians roamed Elmore County, winter camping on the bank of the Snake River, returning to the Camas Prairies in late spring. They lived in small extended families surviving on small game, fish, roots, berries, and whatever else they could obtain by using their primitive tools, snares and weapons,. A dietary staple for the tribes was the sugar-producing blue flower “camas”. The flower grows wild and abundantly in the high desert. Indian women would harvest the camas root and then prepare it into thin dry cakes. Indian culture was based upon the procurement of food and changed little from generation to generation as they followed their food supply in Elmore County. But, with the arrival of white men this simple nomadic lifestyle ended abruptly.
In 1803 Thomas Jefferson arranged for the United States to buy the Oregon Country from Napoleon Bonaparte. The Oregon Country comprised those states now generally referred to as “The Northwest”, inclusive of Idaho. President Jefferson paid three and three-fifths cents an acre for the land. In 1804 he dispatched two men, Meriweather Lewis and William Clark, to explore the Oregon Country and its’ neighbor the Louisiana Territory. Their tales of a wealth in furs enticed trappers into the area. The first trappers in Southern Idaho were with John Jacob Astor’s Pacific Fur Company. They made a treacherous journey down the Snake River trying to navigate it in canoes. They were the first white men to make contact with the Shoshoni and Bannock Indians. Soon, other trappers in search of beaver followed. They trapped the waterways extensively until the beaver population was almost extinct by the 1840’s.
County Commentary • November/December
The relationship between the Indians and the white men during the fur trapping era was generally peaceful. The trappers lived in a lifestyle similar to that of the Indian, and white exploration and trade did not seriously disrupt Indian social or cultural institutions. The conflict between cultures arose during the next era, when wave after wave of emigrants arrived and settled the west. Between 1840 and 1862, more than 250,000 emigrants traveled through Elmore County on their way “west”. They traveled the historic Oregon Trail, a grueling 2000 mile trail that was referred to as the “longest cemetery in the nation”. One of the more hazardous parts of the journey involved crossing the Snake River. A popular ford was located in Elmore County at Three Island Crossing above Glenns Ferry. The crossing was not without risk; many animals, supplies, and wagons were lost. Three Island Crossing is now a state park commemorating the valiant struggles of the early pioneers.
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“mountain summit or heavens” and was one of the original counties in Idaho. Established on February 4, 1894, Alturas encompassed a huge
area in southern Idaho. Old records report the size of Alturas as extending from the north fork of the Boise River, south to the Snake River, and from American Falls west to Indian Creek. In the beginning years, the county’s population was concentrated in Rocky Bar and Atlanta. These early mining communities reflected a mixture of peoples from all walks of life. Some were petty thieves, shysters, and restless unfortunates who rushed from strike to strike with visions of wealth bright in their eyes. Others were destitute southerners who had lost everything in the Civil War. They came to the gold fields in search of a new start. The influence of these southerners is evident in the names of gold fields; Atlanta, Jeff Davis, and the Southern Confederacy. Also par-
During this early westward period the majority of emigrants passed through Idaho on their way to California or Oregon. Only a handful of pioneers settled in Idaho and they mostly were merchants who supplied the needs of the wagon trains. But in the early 1860’s the discovery of gold in Idaho resulted in a population boom. For the first time in our nation’s history a reverse migration eastward occurred. The California miners returned to Idaho and Alturas County, later to become Elmore County. Alturas is a Spanish name which means
24 county spotlight ticipating in the early mining camps were the Chinese. A census in 1870 showed that the majority of miners were Oriental. The Chinese miners were often willing to work for less, almost slave wages, and had the reputation for being very industrious and clannish miners. When mining activities in the camps began to show results the character of the mining camps changed. On the heels of the prospectors came permanent settlers. The camps attracted not only faro dealers, bawdy houses, and dance hall girls but also merchants, lawyers, and editors, men and women who were willing to endure the rugged life for the high prices that their services could demand.
of the camps. The stories characters were always full of grit, courage, warmth, and perseverance. One of the more colorful characters who exemplified these qualities was “Pegleg” Annie Morrow of Atlanta. One winter day while walking with a friend, Dutch Em, across Bald Mountain Summit, a fierce blizzard blew up. Three days passed before a search party found the pair. Dutch Em was dead and Annie was half frozen and incoherent. A back country doctor amputated her frozen feet at the ankles with a jack knife and meat saw, using a few slugs of whiskey for anesthesia. With an indomitable spirit, Pegleg Annie lived for many years afterwards. She gained further fame as a pistol packing restaurateur, boarding house keeper, mother of five, and friend to all.
Early farmers and ranchers arrived upon the heels By 1896 the district had produced 10,000 ounces of the miners. Small ranches and farms began to of gold. But gold, silver, and other precious metal spring up around the waystations. The families were not the only things to come out of the Al- settled on land near transportation routes and waturas mining camps. A wealth of western stories ter. Settlement was encouraged by the offer of up involving shootings, hangings, and other assorted to 320 acres to each individual who could make skullduggery were produced during the heyday the required land improvements and locate water. This process was called “proving up the land”. The ranchers and farmers continually expanded Elmore County Fast Facts operations to supply agricultural products to the booming mining communities. Founded: 1889
Seat: Mountain Home Area: 3,100 sq miles Population: 27,038 www.elmorecounty.org
Many farm and ranch families came to Elmore County because of land schemes promoted by the railroad and land developers. Promotional campaigns referred to Idaho as the “Switzerland of the West”, and Mountain Home as the garden
County Commentary • November/December
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spot of southern Idaho. Settlers were promised successful crops, plentiful water, and a healthful climate. The claims, although exaggerated, contained some truth. The land was rich, producing 3 to 5 times as many bushels per acre as land in Illinois, Virginia, or Tennessee. The land was also capable of producing a variety of crops, and prosperous farmers invested in cherries, plums, apples, grain, cattle, horses, and sheep. Cattle, horse, and sheep raising became important industries in Elmore County. By 1888 the county had 35,000 cows, 60,000 sheep, and 8,000 horses. Wool and mutton production rivaled the cattle and horse industry. Sheep adapted well to the desert and high mountain ranges, although according to cattlemen they ruined the ranges for grazing cattle. Conflict resulted between the Glenns Ferry cattlemen and the Mountain Home sheepherders. The disagreements persisted until sheep production became more profitable than cattle. Young Basque men from the Pyrenees Mountains, between France and Spain, provided the labor for the sheep industry. In their native land they had been fishermen, craftsmen, and farmers, but in America, they turned their hands to sheep herding and shearing. These Basque emigrants had a significant cultural impact on Elmore County.
products to world markets. The outbreak of WWI intensified demand for these products, especially wool which was used to manufacture military uniforms. The end of the war also was the end of the agricultural boom. The slump that began in the 20’s intensified during the Great Depression. Many small farmers and ranchers lost their land. Economic conditions did not improve significantly in the county until WWII. With the outbreak of WWII crop prices improved and construction of Mountain Home Air Force Base began.
The post-war era heralded permanent changes in the character of the county. The mining industry had collapsed, sheep were replaced by cattle, and farming exploded with the introduction of new technologies. The Air Base remained after the war, although it de-activated for brief periods between 1945 and 1964. The base had a tremendous impact on the community. First, it became As the communities of Mountain Home, Glenns the largest employer in the county. Second, the Ferry, Rocky Bar, and Atlanta grew, residents be- influx of military personnel and their families regan to push for a new county with a centrally lo- sulted in a rapid growth of population. Thirdly, cated county seat. The creation of Elmore County business sectors grew to meet the needs of the air was hotly debated. Finally, as its last act, the last base and its military family. And, finally a diverse Territorial Legislature created Elmore County on military population provided the community with February 7, 1889. The county seat changed loca- a wealth of cultural diversities unique in the state tion several times but in 1891 it settled perma- of Idaho. nently in Mountain Home. Early settlers were attracted to Elmore County The period from 1890 to 1913 was known as the because of the promise of unlimited opportunigrowth years for the county. The completion of ties. These opportunities still exist today. And the OSL, Oregon Short Line, railroad in 1883 al- the future promises to be as exciting, turbulent, lowed for the shipment of mining and agricultural and unpredictable as the past.
26 ICRMP JAIL INSPECTION PROGRAM At the Annual IAC Meeting, ICRMP presented the ICRMP Jail Underwriting Program. County jails create one of the highest risks we face. Over the years, we have paid large sums on claims arising out of jail activities. Operating a jail is difficult with the myriad of mandates and under funding that occurs. Overcrowded and understaffed jails contribute to the problem as well. Some of the claims relate to jail suicides, sexual contact (between inmates as well as between officers and inmates), strip searches and medical care. Many claims had the potential to reach $1,000,000 or more, but ICRMP has been able to avoid them by one means or another. The Idaho Sheriff’s Association and its Idaho Jail Standards Committee developed jail standards and performs annual inspections of the 39 operating jails to determine compliance with 387 separate standards. ICRMP reviewed those standards and identified 8 that, if complied with, would have a direct effect on the most serious claims identified above. In addition, these are standards that each county can reasonably attain. Rather than describe them here, the standards are available on the ICRMP website at www.icrmp.org, and we encourage you to review them so that you can begin to evaluate your compliance. If a county is unable to comply with the 8 standards, ICRMP will lower the liability limits for jail-related claims from $3 million per claim to $500,000 per claim. Although the liability limits will be reduced, ICRMP will continue to defend the county if a lawsuit is filed. While it may seem that this is a severe consequence, there have only been a handful of jail-related claims during ICRMP’s history that have been resolved through verdict or settlement in excess of $500,000. This reduction in limits will pass the risk of a large verdict in excess of that amount to the non-compliant county citizens, rather than to the pool and its members as a whole. ICRMP anticipates that every county operating a jail will attain the standards and have the full liability limits to cover jail claims. Carl Ericson, ICRMP Risk Management Legal Counsel, has been assigned to coordinate this program for ICRMP. Please contact him by email at cericson@icrmp.org or telephone at (208) 336-3100 should you have any questions about the program. In addition, Dave Sasser continues to be available to assist ICRMP insureds with jail-related issues. He can be reached by email at dave@naylorhales.com or by telephone at (208) 3839511.
ICRMP BOARD PROFILE
Commissioner Don Ebert District 2 Representative ICRMP Board of Trustees
Don Ebert has lived in Clearwater County his whole life. He graduated from Timberline High School in 1980 and spent several years after that working in the woods. In 1992 Don graduated from Lewis-Clark State College with a degree in Business Administration. For ten years he owned and operated a rock crushing company. However, the best thing Don has done is to marry his wonderful wife, Cammie. They have five children and seven grandchildren. Don’s background in various business ventures has shaped a unique and valuable perspective that he brings to the ICRMP Board. Don has served as the District 2 ICRMP representative since January 2011 and has been a Clearwater County Commissioner for the past 10 years. Also, Don is also a member of IAC’s public land and transportation committees and a member of LHTAC since January 2009. If that wasn’t enough, Don has also served on the Weippe City Council for 13 years, the School Board of District 171 for 10 years, and served as the IAC District II President in 2009. When asked what words of wisdom he uses to govern his everyday life, he replied: “I believe the world will be what we make it. I want to help make it a better place.”