The Courier
NEWS
News from the Heart of Idaho Camas • Lincoln • Gooding
December 20, 2023
Vol 47 Num 51
Shoshone Showhouse to Shine Again Fairfield Considers Annexation
On Friday, December 15th, the Idaho Heritage Trust anounced a $100,000 grant award to the Shoshone Showhouse. As part of the Theatre Revitalization Subgrant Program, this award was made possible by $800,000 in federal funding to help facilitate the restoration and preservation of historic theaters in Idaho’s rural communities (less than 50,000 population). Dr. & Mrs. Terrill Zech purchased the W.H. Baugh M.D. Opera House in 1985 and ran it as a discount movie theater (second run films) for 30 years. In 2015, the film industry's push for digital movies made it impossible for the Showhouse (along with most other rural theaters) to show movies without an expensive upgrade of new equipment. "Our family loves movies and we loved showing family films. When we started, tickets were just $3.00 and the line to get in often stretched down the street and around the corner," said Dr. Zeck. "Movie nights were a community affair and there was rarely an empty seat. It was a sad day when we couldn't get film anymore. Today, we are very excited to receive this grant and look forward to bringing movies back to the big screen." Idaho Heritage Trust board member, Jerry Myers said, "With so many of our rural theaters struggling, we wanted to help. Not only are these theaters important cultural centers, they are often historical buildings (the Showhouse was built in 1911). 14 Idaho theaters applied for this year's grants, and 9 were awarded from a few thousand dollars to $100,000. Unlike some grants, this is not free money, a 10% match is required." Mr. Myers added that the Theatre Revitalization Program is supported through the Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant Program funded by the Historic Preservation Fund as administered by the National Park Service (NPS), Department of Interior. These funds are intended for use in large-scale, high-cost projects that are fundamental to the continued health and safe use of these integral spaces. "Of course, projects require more than just a willing owner," said Mr. Myers. "Community support is a vital part making something like this successful." Mr. Myers acknowledged the County Commissioners, the County Sheriff, Mayor Pierson, other members of the Idaho Heritage Trust, and Karma Fitzgerald who help Dr. Zeck with the Grant writing process.
This Thursday, December 21st, the Fairfield City Council will hold public hearings regarding a 10 acre parcel just north of Fairfield on the east side of Soldier Road. Suncreek LLC (the owners) tried to develop a 5 lot subdivision earlier this year with Camas County, but because the property is located within the Fairfield Area of City Impact and adjacent to the city limits, issues regarding water and sewer caused the county to reject their proposal. The City of Fairfield has been cautious about annexation because of the same concern - water and sewer. The main issue is whether the city has the wastewater capacity to provide service to a new subdivision. After several meetings, the City Council agreed to make a maximum of 29 hookups available, provided Suncreek agrees to the limitation as part of annexation. Annexation has two components: First, the City must decide what zoning the property should be and make changes on the city's Land Use and Zoning maps; Second, the City considers the annexation. Both of these steps require public hearings, and if approved, the City will pass two ordinances to make the decision final. This Thursday is an opportunity for the public to make comment on the proposals, either for or against. It is unlikely that the council will make any decisions regarding this property until January, but public input is important. The council meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. and the hearings will start at about 7:05. The proposed zoning for this property is R1, single-family dwellings, with a minimum lot size of 10,000 square feet. The documents regarding this property are on file at the city office (407 Soldier Road) and may be viewed during regular office hours.