The Courier
News Sticks & Stones in Shoshone
Between 1987 and 1993, Western Pine Beetle killed over 165,000 trees in south central Idaho, and they continue to a big problem in many of our forests. At natural levels, these insects thin out over-mature, diseased pines, but big infestations can begin to harm health trees as well. This results in large areas of dead trees and adds to the fire danger of our forests. Harvesting the dead trees not only helps reduce the fire danger, it helps control the number of Pine Beetles as well. Because these insects only feed on the inner layer of the bark, most of the lumber is undamaged. Unfortunately, many of the dead trees are too small to make conventional lumber. Twelve years ago, David Zortman saw all of this as an business opportunity, and with the help of his wife Tiffany and his father, he started Sticks & Stones. Located in Jerome County, about seven miles south of Shoshone, they process truck loads of logs into posts, poles, custom lumber, and piles and piles of firewood. They only sold 200 cords of wood in their first year. Today they sell in excess of 2500 cords a year, and with that growth, the Jerome location has become too small. Last month the Lincoln County Planning & Zoning Commission approved an application
which will allow Sticks & Stones to relocated to a 40 acre parcel just north of Shoshone. Truckloads of timber are already piling up at the new location, and over the next several months they will be moving the rest of their equipment to the site. The Zortmans are glad to have more room. Not only will this help them expand their business and offer some new products, but it will also provide a place to build a home.
This Sunday, March 9th Set your clocks ahead One Hour
March 5
,2014
Volume 38 ~ Number 10 News from the Heart of Idaho Camas • Lincoln • Gooding
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The 2014 Election While many candidates have already announced their campaigns, March 3rd was the first day to officially file a “Declarations of Candidacy” with the Secretary of State or the County Clerk. In order to be on the ballot for the May 20th primary, individuals have until March 14th to file. March 14 is also the last day to change your party affiliation or to become “Unaffiliated” for the Primary Election. On Monday, March 10th, Jana Jones, candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction, will speak at the Gooding County Democrat Central Committee meeting at 6 p.m. (held at the Gooding County P&Z Office). On March 15th, Republican candidates for state and federal offices will be in Fairfield and Shoshone to meet with voters. Governor Otter will give a keynote address. From 8:30 to 10:30 come to the Camas Senior & Community Center for a great breakfast. At noon, join them at the Lincoln County Community Center for lunch.
March 11 Elections (Tuesday)
The Wendell School District is asking for approval on a $3.1 million Bond to take continued on page 2.....