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Dietrich Boys Takes State Championship
It has been 50 years since the Dietrich Boys have won the State Basketball Championship. Their first game of the tournament was against Summit Academy, which they won handilly 78 to 42. The second game with Clark County was much tighter and ended with a score of 46 to 39. This sent them to the championship game against Council on Saturday, March 5th, at the Ford Idaho Center. With the Dietrich Blue Devils scoring 22 points in the first quarter, Council was playing catch-up for the entire game. Add-
ing to their domination of the game, Dietrich hit 23 out of 31 free throws while Council only had two out of seven. The final score was 68 to 55. Photo: The 2016 Champions along with a few members of the 1966 championship team.
In 2A Basketball, the Wedell Trojans took third in the State Tournament. After a decisive win against Melba (67-45), the Wendell boys lost to West Side - Dayton (45-57). That put them up against St Maries for their final win of the season - 71 to 62.
Next weekend, March 18th and 19th, Hagerman will host the 10th Annual Cowboy Poets. Fifty plus poets and musicians will bring some of the best entertainment in the West to this fundraising event for the American Legion and Idaho ‘N’ Heroes (an organiztion helping Idaho’s wounded warriors enjoy the beauty of outdoor Idaho). Day shows start at 10 a.m. with free admission. Night
shows start at 6:30 p.m. with a suggested donation of $12. All show held at the old Hagerman Gymnasium on State Street. Festivities on Saturday will include a community breakfast at the Senior Center from 7 to 10 a.m. (only $6.00) From 5 to 6:30 p.m. the High School FFA students will be cooking up a mess of vittles for $12 a plate, and while you eat, enjoy fiddlin and square dancin in the park.
Cowboy Poets Gathering
March 9
,2016
Volume 40 ~ Number 10 News from the Heart of Idaho Camas • Lincoln • Gooding
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Water Supply Holding Steady
The Natural Resources Conservation Service has just released the third water supply outlook report for the 2016 water year. Idaho’s mountain snowpack ranges from 90 to 110% of normal for most of the state. The lowest snowpacks are in isolated pockets at about 85% of normal in the Spokane and Little Wood basins. Snowpack density is the name of the game right now, as the higher the density the “riper” the snow is for melting. Snow typically melts when its density reaches 40 to 45%. “Normally the densities of Idaho’s various snowpacks are in the 30 to 34% range for this time of year,” said Ron Abramovich, water supply specialist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service. “However, many sites are reporting higher densities – in the 36 to 38% range. The warmer February temperatures have allowed the snow to begin ripening up much earlier.” Based on Idaho’s March’s Surface Water Supply Index (SWSI), irrigation supplies continued on page 9.....
March 9, 2016
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Notices of Upcoming Events & Meetings Special Food Bank in Fairfield
The Idaho Food Bank will be bringing a special delivery to Fairfield on Wednesday, March 9th. Whether your need is big or small, you are encouraged to come to the Lighthouse Church (231 Ponderosa Ave. East) from noon to 2 p.m. Call 764-3322 for info.
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Kite Contest & Taco Bar
March 12th @ 3:00pm (weather permitting) Taco Bar @ 7:00pm $5.00 a plate
The West Magic Lake Recreation Club is having a Kite Contest and Taco Bar this Saturday, March 12th at 960 West Magic Road in West Magic. Bring out the kid for a Camas Historical Meeting: The Camas Historical Society will hold their annual great afternoon of fun! meeting on March 23rd at 7 pm at the Iron Mountain Contact Gordon Inn. New members encourage to attend & officers will be Greenfield for questions at 208-539-6627. elected.
North Valley Academy Spring Gala Tri-tip Dinner Friday, March 11th at 6:30 p.m. $18 per person or $30 per couple
Musical Entertainment by MVA’s Advanced Strings Orchestra Babysitting available for children 3 to 12 Donations goto the Jr./Sr. D.C. Trip
Basic AutoCAD Training
All City of Fairfield and Camas County residents sign up now for basic AutoCAD training with use of drawings and 3D printer program. Starting March 28th to June 20, Mondays and Wednesdays from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Classes will be in the Jr. High computer lab located at Camas County School, 610 Soldier Road in Fairfield. The training is to improve and enhance our local job skills. Intermediate computer skills required. No charge to applicant. These courses are open to high school students as well. Limited availability. Call the Fairfield City office at 764-2333 to reserve your spot.
Three more courses will be available. If you are unable to reserve a spot now or are interested in a future class please call. Future courses will start in late June, mid September, and early December.
American Legion Post # 19 Birthday Dinner March 12, 2016 at (1800 hrs) 6 p.m. (114 E. Camas in Fairfield)
Attention all veterans, their families and the general public. You are cordially invited to attend Elmer Miller Post # 19’s annual Birthday dinner and installation of officers. It will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2016 at (1800 hrs) 6:00 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, 114 E. Camas, Fairfield, Idaho. Dinner will be provided by the Ladies Auxiliary and we will have a guest speaker.
Please come and help us celebrate our Birthday.
CHILD FIND
The Gooding Joint School District #231, in collaboration with the Infant Toddler, Migrant Head Start, and Head Start Programs will host a Child Find on Thursday, March 10, 2016 from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. This event is for children birth to 4 years of age (includes Infant Toddler screenings). If you know a child who is birth to 4 years of age who may have individual needs that result from disabilities or developmental delays, and who is not enrolled in a school program, please call Stephanie Patterson at 934-4941 x203 for an appointment. Child Find is a free screening for children ages birth to 4 years to identify needs that may result from developmental delay, physical or mental concerns. The screenings include speech and language, physical health, gross and fine motor skills, self-help abilities, social skills, vision and hearing.
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Matt Pember For Gooding County Prosecutor
March 9, 2016
Cowboy Inn Still Open
The building at the corner of 4th and Main in Gooding recently changed hands, but contrary to rumors, the Press Release Matt Pember was a Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Cowboy Inn is still open for business. for Twin Falls County from 2004-2010 and has served as the The new owners of the building will be making some Prosecuting Attorney for Camas County since 2012. Matt has changes to the rest of the building at some point, but that also operated a private practice in Twin Falls since 2010. is a story for another day. Matt is a graduate of the College of Idaho (1996) and the For now, come on in and enjoy some great food including University of Idaho Law School (2004). Matt has served as Sea Food Friday and more.
past president of the Crisis Center of Magic Valley and served on that board for nine years. Matt also currently serves on the Board of Directors for Clear Lake County Club. Matt grew up in Hagerman and Buhl, graduating from Buhl High School in 1992. He has numerous relatives and soon-tobe in-laws in Gooding County. Matt will be marrying the love of life Jodi Lenker in June of this year. Matt’s interests include hunting, fishing, travelling and, of course, golf.
Matt’s goals if elected: •
•
•
•
• • • •
PROTECT CHILDREN: The children of Gooding County are my number one priority. My niece and nephew attend Wendell Schools, as well as numerous soon-to-be in-laws. Criminals generally start down that path while still in school. I plan to work with school leaders to institute educational programs aimed at stopping crime before it starts. SLOWING DRUGS: The Magic Valley has seen an explosion of crime due to drug abuse. Working with county leaders and local law enforcement, I intend to show criminals that drugs and the crimes caused by them are not welcome in Gooding County. SLOWING CRIME: Since taking the position in Camas County, offenses committed have steadily declined. (Source: Idaho State Police at https://www.isp.idaho.gov/BCI/ucr/ crimeinidaho2014.html). This is due to a quality working relationship with law enforcement, the Prosecutor’s Office and the community. It is my hope to do the same in Gooding County with the help of law enforcement, judges, and the community. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: Working with community, health care professionals and care shelters, I hope to make a difference in the lives of battered people and find help for batterers. Domestic Abuse is an ongoing cycle that can be broken. Working with commissioners, legislators and the community to make Gooding County a better place to live. Keeping quality staff in place in the Prosecutor’s Office to ensure that justice is performed, smoothly, efficiently and fairly. Provide quality attention to the commissioners and other elected officials to promote compliance with the law and ongoing prosperity for Gooding County. Making the Prosecutor’s Office more open to the public and listening to the needs and concerns of the community.
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March 9, 2016
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obituaries
Juan Nicolas Menchaca
Juan Nicolas Menchaca, 86, a resident of Hagerman, passed away Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at his home in Hagerman. Juan “Nick” Menchaca was born in Twin Falls to Bonnie (Jenkins) and Johnnie Menchaca in 1929. Although his father died when Juan was four, he called him his “Million Dollar Baby”. He spent much of his childhood in Hagerman in the home of his grandmother, Emma Jenkins. Bonnie married Ernest Roberson when Juan was seven and the two became father and son and enjoyed a long and loving relationship. For many years, Juan was known as “Nick Roberson” although he was never formally adopted by Ernest who felt that to do so would be to show disrespect to his biological father. It was when entering the Armed Services at 16 that ”Nick Roberson” adjusted to being Juan Menchaca. During WWII he served in the Army, Air Force and the Navy. Upon return to the U.S., he worked at the Circle Bar and the Y-Inn where he eventually met Joyce Casper who was on Christmas Break from BYU, waiting tables. Joyce then returned to college, and the two established a loving correspondence which resulted in a June wedding. After the wedding the couple relocated to Boise where Juan attended State Beauty College. Upon graduation, they moved to Hollywood where Juan registered at Comer and Duran Advanced Style School. He was then hired by Leon Bush in Los Altos, where as part of his position, Juan was chosen as a team member to provide hairdressing services to the contestants of the 1956 Miss Universe Pageant. Juan
death & service notices
Maria Teresa Harman, 61, a resident of Gooding, passed away Saturday, March 5, 2016 at her home in Gooding. Arrangements are pending under the care and direction of Demaray Funeral Service – Gooding Chapel. Irma Petrick, 97, a resident of Hagerman, passed away on Sunday, March 6, 2016 at DeSano Place Suites in Shoshone. Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced under the care and direction of Demaray Funeral Service - Gooding Chapel.
styled Miss Sweden’s hair, who won the title that year. When Joyce completed her education in 1958, the couple moved back to Idaho where they established a salon in Twin Falls, The Stylist, and their first child, Juanita, was born. Juan’s business grew to include Mr. Juan’s College of Hair Design, The Swingin’ Set, Heads ‘N’ Threads as well as salons in Burley and Jerome. Juan was recognized by his peers as a leader and a creative force in the hairdressing community. He served as Idaho Style Director of National Hairdressers and Cosmetologists Association. As his business grew, so did his family. Within 10 years of his return to Idaho, he and Joyce had 5 children who later married: Juanita (Karl), Ernie (Reana), Nicki (Wade), Juan Jr. (Rhonda), and Shaun (Lori). The family moved to Hagerman in 1973 where Juan lived until he died. Juan and Joyce shared a lifelong love of the outdoors, manifested by frequent Sunday trips to the boondocks to camp, hunt for arrowheads, and generally scout around. These forays were the also the backdrop for their loving and enduring friendship with the Norm and Pat Carrol family. For many years, it was Mass on Sunday and Fishing on Monday. According to him, trout were the only respectable catch. Believing that the larger fish were found in still waters, Juan could be found relentlessly paddling in his float tube in search of a worthy trophy alone, with his kids, or with fellow fisherfriends. Juan was a cradle Catholic, and maintained his faith and practice his entire life, demonstrated through his kind and compassionate dealings with both friend and stranger. His children remember his reverence at church and his devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe. He belonged to both St. Catherine’s in Hagerman and St. Elizabeth’s in Gooding. He regularly watched the sun set and would remark to his children, “Look at what God gave us for free.” He is survived by his wife, Joyce, his children (as mentioned above), 11 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 7:00 pm, on Friday, March 11, 2016 at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church, 446 N. State St. in Hagerman, with Deacon Jim McCaughey officiating. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 am, on Saturday, March 12, 2016 at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church, 1515 California St., in Gooding, with Father Jorge Garcia as Celebrant. A celebration of life will follow the service at the Gooding Basque Center, 285 Euskadi Lane, in Gooding. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests sending a donation to Catholic Relief Services.
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obituaries
Gene Wood
Our beloved father and brother, Gene Wood, 85, of Las Cruces, New Mexico and formerly of the Magic Valley, passed away on Christmas Day in Las Cruces. He was born October 5, 1930, in Grace, Idaho, the third son of Earl and Alice Wood. His early years were spent in Grace and then the family settled on a farm in Wendell, where Gene learned the value of hard work. After graduating from Wendell high school, Gene served his country in the US Air Force in the Korean War where he saw combat duty. Following an Honorable Discharge, he settled in Jerome, Idaho, where he met and married the love of his life, Virginia Moore, affectionately known as “Ginger.” Shortly after their marriage, Gene was accepted into the Border Patrol, which afforded he and Ginger the opportunity to live in many different locations. He retired with the rank of Chief after 30 years of service. After 45 happy years of marriage, Ginger passed away in 1994. Gene loved basketball, camping and fishing and was a skilled wood worker. In his later years he also enjoyed attending horse shows. Gene is survived by three children, Terry Gene (Beth) of Las Cruces, NM, Susan (Tom) Preckett of El Paso, TX, and Scott B. (Atsuko) of Irving, TX; two brothers, Loyd Wood of Nampa and Roy Linn (Raquel) of El Paso, TX, and one sister, Bettie Winterholler of Jerome. Gene married his caretaker, Kristi, in 2012, who also survives him. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ginger, their infant son Joey Lane, and two brothers, Joe S. Wood and Earl LaVar Wood. In the words of Gene’s friend, Stephen L. Wilmoth, “Gene Wood was a gentleman, tall, slender, silvery haired and distinguished in both looks and carriage.” A Memorial service was held on Thursday March 3, 2016, at Farnsworth Mortuary Chapel in Jerome, Idaho.
March 9, 2016
Penny Diane Swarner
Penny Diane Swarner, age 67, passed away peacefully, February 15, 2016, at her home in Gooding, surrounded by her family. The daughter of Mickey and Esther (Meyer) Sturgeon, She was born February 12, 1949, in Gooding. She married her high school sweetheart Dave Swarner on October 23, 1967, in Shoshone. They enjoyed 48 wonderful years together. Dave and Penny are members of the LDS church and were sealed in the Boise Temple on February 14, 1989. She is survived by her Husband Dave Swarner, brothers Larry (Dana) Sturgeon of Shoshone, Bill (Jane) Sturgeon of Jerome, sister-in-law Carole Sturgeon of Shoshone, four children, Curt (Tami) Swarner of Buhl, Steve Swarner of Portales New Mexico, Amie (Alvin) Olsen of Gooding, Angie Braun of Gooding, son-inlaw Chris Braun, father-in-law, George L. Swarner, 15 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Mickey and Esther Sturgeon; her sister Peggy Sturgeon, and her brother Jerry Sturgeon. Penny was an amazing mother, grandmother and greatgrandmother. She was truly one special lady. Her love for her family was unmatched. She retired in 2011 after 23 years working for the Gooding School District as a para professional. Her students and fellow teachers brought her so much joy. Her smile and laughter were contagious, she could light up any room, and she will be missed greatly by all who knew and loved her. “Butterflies will remind us, even though we are apart, your spirit is always with us, forever in our hearts.” Funeral services were held at on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at the Gooding LDS Church. Committal was at the Shoshone Cemetery.
401 Camas Avenue West
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March 9, 2016
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Senior Center Menus All menus are subject to change without notice.
Hagerman 837-6120 (140 East Lake Street)
Lunch is served every Monday, Wednesday & Friday. --------------------------
Friday, Mar 11... Chicken Fried Steak Monday, Mar 14... Beef Tips Wednesday, Mar 16... Corn Beef & Cabbage
Wendell 536-9951 (380 East 1st Street)
Lunch is served every Monday & Friday at Noon. --------------------------
Friday, Mar 11... Turkey & Noodles Monday, Mar 14... Corn Beef & Cabbage
Shoshone
886–2369 (218 N Rail St. W)
Richfield
487–2722 130 S Main Street
Lunch: $2 (2-9) $5.50 (10-59) $4 over 60 (suggested) Breakfast: 3rd Saturday of the Month (8 to 10) ----------------------Thur, Mar 10 (Rich) Soup, Sand & Chocolate Pie Friday, Mar 11 (Sho) Spaghetti & French Bread Monday, Mar 14 (Rich) Corn Beef & Cabbage Tuesday, Mar 15 (Sho) Meat Pizza Wed, Mar 16 (Sho) Soup, Sand & Chocolate Pie
Fairfield 764-2226 (129 Willow Avenue West)
Lunch: 2.50 (2-9) $5 (10-59) $4 over 60 (suggested) Breakfast: (8 to 10) 2nd Saturday of the Month Open for Coffee and Breakfast 7 to 11 a.m. Monday thru Friday the -------------------------Music by ra r Friday, Mar 11 BBQ Chicken Mic Te Tuesday, Mar 15 Sweet & Sour Pork Wednesday, Mar 16 Corn Beef & Cabbage
Gooding 934-5504 (308 Senior Avenue)
Lunch Suggested Donation $3.50 Breakfast: (7:30 to 10) 1st Saturday of the Month Fit & Fall Proof: Every Mon. & Wed. at 11:00 a.m. -----------------Thursday, Mar 10 Ham & Veggies Monday, Mar 14 Tater Tot Casserole Tuesday, Mar 15 Pork Chops Wednesday, Mar 16 Chicken Strips
The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status (not all prohibited bases apply to all programs). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington DC 20250-9410 or call 800-795-3272 (voice) or 202-720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity lender, provider and employer.
When my dad was younger he did some farming in the Tennessee hills with some horses. The area in which he farmed was almost too rugged for tractors. The economy of the area didn’t warrant a tractor purchase. Once in Idaho, Dad was able to use a tractor. The ground was a lot flatter and could grow more than rocks. Farming in Idaho was a whole different type of farming, although there were people farming here with horses. Impressed as Dad was about using a tractor, they were the early green John Deere B’s and the red Farmall H’s. As the farm where my dad worked upgraded, they added a larger green John Deere R and an orange Allis Chalmer D-15. These tractors were still back in the older category. I don’t believe Dad really got to do a lot of farming with newer type tractors. Maybe if he had, he may have stayed in the farming line. But, with old tractors and low wages, Dad went on to drive a logging truck. He worked for Art Hanson & Sons in Horseshoe Bend, Idaho. Hansons were running about twenty logging trucks, maybe more. For the time frame, Hansons were a good sized company. The trucks were red and white Kenworths and were everywhere, same as J.I. Morgan who had around 80 Kenworth trucks of yellow and black color. Eventually Dad went to drive for Nelsens out of Emmett, Idaho. This time he was driving for a small family business. The truck Dad drove was a green Kenworth. While working for Hansons in Horseshoe Bend, trucks were washed at the mills or Hanson’s shop. Once Dad was driving in Emmett, he had his truck at home a lot. If you have ever been in the woods during log hauling, you have noticed that the trucks really get dirty with dirt roads, watered to slow dust roads, mud, tree sap, and bark from logs. Since Dad was home with his truck, us kids would have to wash the truck. The truck would be parked next to our garden. With a hose running continuously, the garden would always be a mess. Weeding the garden always seemed to be on the same weekend as truck washing. Can’s have the best of both worlds. Dad would give us kids money to wash his truck. Perhaps we would get a green dollar each or a silver colored change. We whined, but actually we didn’t mind the truck washes. Dad always would bring us a treat in his lunch box. That made truck washing tolerable. I didn’t realize that colors your parents were around would actually be a major part of you life. For instance my two John Deere 60’s are green, my two Farmall H’s are red, and my Case SC is orange. Much like the tractors my dad used. In fact, they are the same type Dad used 55 years ago. Where’s the progress? To extend the color thing, my sister now owns a red Kenworth and I own a white one. It is like splitting the red and white Kenworth logging truck into two trucks. Kind of a crazy thought! Maybe it is a subliminal color thing? Do you have a relation of color because of your parents? I know one thing for sure, my sister’s child and my children are grown up and wouldn’t wash our trucks without LOTS of green. The question now is, “Who is going to wash our trucks?”
This is my “Cup of water--colored Tee.”
Tee Hurd
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obituary
Election Results Nov. 9, 1884
Floyd Allen Fiet
Floyd Allen Fiet, 93, passed from this world on February 23, 2016, at his home with his wife and one daughter at his side. He was born December 23, 1922 in Roy, Utah; the 2nd child and first son of Garrett and Isabelle Fiet. They moved from Roy to Nampa, Idaho when he was a young man. He enlisted in the Air Force during World War II and was learning to be a flight engineer on the B-29 Bomber when the war ended. He received an Honorable Discharge and returned home to Nampa where he met and married his life-long companion, Elaine Hanks. They were married on August 19, 1946, in the Salt Lake Temple (69 1/2 years ago). During the homestead lotteries of the 1950’s, Floyd drew a farm north of Rupert, Idaho. The hardships and joys of the hardy farming pioneers fosterd a kinship that endures today. They survived the early difficulties of breaking in the raw land by sharing and supporting each other. Floyd farmed in Nampa, Rupert, Hazelton and King Hill before moving to Wendell where he custom stacked hay. He drove his hay stacker until he was 92. Floyd was an active member in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as Bishopric Counselor, Sunday School President, Scout Leader, and Ward Finance Clerk. He also served a Stake Mission. Floyd’s favorite activities included hunting, fishing, reading, gardening, exploring new country, and meeting people. Floyd is survived by his wife, Elaine, son Clair (Leslie) Fiet, Bountiful UT, and three daughters: Leslie (Gayden) Nelson, North Logan UT, Shirley (Rocky) Metts, Kimberly ID and Jenness Fiet, Wendell ID, 13 Grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Janet (Mel) Scrivner and brother, Bill Fiet. He was preceded in death by his parents, Garrett and Isabelle Fiet, two sons, Dennis and Layne Fiet, and two sisters, Marian Mathewson and Elva Murray. Funeral services were held on Friday March 4, 2016, at the Wendell LDS 1st Ward Chapel. Interment was at the Kohler Lawn Cemetery in Nampa, Idaho.
March 9, 2016
Soldier Dem..... 31 Rep...... 7
Votes cast for President on the Camas Prairie in 1884: Total 89 Crichton Dem..... 20 Rep...... 15
Corral Dem..... 12 Rep...... 4
Grover Cleveland was the Democrat and James Blaine was the Republican candidate. Only men could vote. Women in Idaho were allowed to vote in 1896. Women in the United States could not vote until 1920. The 1884 election brought a Democrat to the White House for the first time in more than a quarter-century. It was also a campaign marked by notorious mudslinging, including a paternity scandal. During the campaign, Cleveland (a bachelor) was revealed to have had an affair with a widow in Buffalo, and it was also alleged that he had fathered a son with the woman. Blaine created a huge problem for himself just a week before the election when he attended a meeting at a Protestant church at which a minister chided those who had left the Republican Party by stating, “We don’t propose to leave our party and identify with the party whose antecedents are rum, Romanism, and rebellion.” Blaine sat quietly during the minister’s insult of Catholics and Irish voters. The event was reported widely in the press and it cost Blaine the election.
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March 9, 2016
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Legislative Update from Senator Michelle Stennett Week Eight-Feb. 29-March 4, 2016 Environment The so-called public nuisance bill passed my Resources and Environment committee and heads to the floor where passage is likely. S1338 asks the state to codify a soapbox for a single county official to “demand” action from federal land managers. The two county commissioners who testified indicated they would immediately sue if their demands weren’t met. This crosses the line of constitutionality and opens us up to costly legal battles. While the legislature works to strip local control over wages and plastic bags, this bill would give unilateral authority to one rogue official to engage in hostile interactions with federal officials. Collaboration is the method we should continue to pursue as Idaho has led the way on improving land management by engaging all stakeholders to secure the greatest good. On Monday, the Joint Resources and Environment committees were confronted with a presentation from two Utah representatives urging the “takeover” of federal lands. This land grab notion was well-vetted and Idahoans vehemently oppose relinquishing our legacy to the highest bidder intent on privatizing the public lands we cherish. Utah paid a New Orleans law firm $500k to study legal actions that their state could take against the federal government, a lawsuit estimated to cost $14 million. Fortunately, Idaho has an excellent Attorney General who, at no additional charge, clearly stated that such action would violate both the U.S. and Idaho Constitutions. We should focus on conserving our resources, both natural and financial, and not let outside groups lead us down the garden path to a no trespassing sign. Education Out of 100+ budgets being set by JFAC, my Democratic colleagues have taken the lead on crafting about two thirds of them. Senator Dan Schmidt worked on 25 and Senator Roy Lacey, who I’m sad to see retire at the end of this term, tackled up to 40. The two also moved to increase the public education budget by an extra $5 million in discretionary funds bringing the overall increase almost to the governor’s recommendation of 7.9% Instead, the committee approved a 6.8% overall increase with the total expected to hit 7.4% once the Education committees pass more bills. JFAC did not fund Superintendent Ybarra’s $300,000 request to pilot Rural School Centers which is disappointing for the many rural schools in District 26. On Tuesday, the Idaho Supreme Court upheld a lower court ruling that voided the illegally-awarded contract for Idaho Education Network, the defunct statewide broadband system. The negotiations are ongoing and well-outlined by Idaho Education News so I will hold further comment until details of the settlement are resolved. What is known is that two bills unanimously passed the Senate which will support broadband at the local level. S1333 would establish the Broadband Infrastructure Investment Grant (BIIG) Fund within the state treasury.
Grants are open to any E-rate eligible institutions and cover up to 10% of the cost for broadband infrastructure investments as well as the potential for additional E-rate funds and discounts. S1334 would provide state-level support for technology, security, contracting and distribution to entities seeking federal E-rate funding. It’s nice to see some acknowledgment in the legislature that local communities know best how to address local needs. S1280 passed the Senate after amendments were added to disqualify non-citizens from paying in-state tuition at Idaho’s colleges and universities, even if they are currently enrolled and paying the in-state rate. Fortunately, making higher education more accessible is the laudable goal of IDeal, Idaho’s 529 College Savings Program. IDeal helps citizens save now to cover the costs of future educational goals for themselves or a beneficiary. 27,000 Idahoans are already taking advantage of tax deductions that come with a 529 plan to pay for tuition and other related expenses at any eligible, accredited U.S. institution. The savings plan can be used for trade schools, community colleges or universities so every aspirational goal is within reach. Etc. HCR034 sought to recognize community water fluoridation as a significant public health achievement. My testimony clarified that 70% of public water supplies in the US contain artificially fluoridated water. Fluoride is a mineral, not an essential nutrient. No disease, not even tooth decay, is caused by a fluoride deficiency. The dose is impossible to control since everyone consumes different amounts. Infants drinking baby formula and competitive athletes may ingest more than the average person. Fluoride accumulates in the body, largely in calcifying tissues such as bones, and can pose a health risk. It failed 16-18-1 in the Senate. The minimum wage pre-emption bill passed out of my Local Government and Taxation committee without my support. The cost of living varies dramatically across Idaho. If the state wants to usurp local control and dictate the minimum wage for Idaho, then we should pass H400 which incrementally raises the minimum hourly wage from the current $7.25 to $9.25 by mid-2017. Thanks to delayed start-up costs at previously approved centers, JFAC found enough money to fund two new crisis centers this year. This alleviates the burden of selecting the next community able to treat citizens in mental health crisis rather than relying on law enforcement. Boise and Twin Falls will join Idaho Falls and Coeur d’Alene as the first four of seven anticipated centers. This commits JFAC to fund 100% of the costs for the first year or two for each center with the expectation that local support will cover half the operational costs moving forward. A related measure that won unanimous passage in the Senate is S1326, which adds suicide prevention services to the basic mission of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention,
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...Water Outlook continued
should be adequate across most of the state, but are still marginal at best in the Big Wood, Big Lost and Little Lost basins. Additional winter storms or good spring precipitation is needed to ensure adequate irrigation supplies. With a near normal or better snowpack across the state, things are looking promising for all who depend on Idaho’s snowfall and resulting runoff for their entertainment or livelihood. More snow in the mountains this year means that the ski season isn’t over yet and the spring-summer recreation season will be excellent for the river runners and power boaters. “Despite receiving below normal February precipitation, we remain near normal overall,” Abramovich said. “There does appear to be some good news on the horizon, as weather patterns appear to be changing during the first full week of March and have the potential to bring abundant moisture to Idaho. Hopefully the temperatures will be cold enough to allow the precipitation to fall as snow in the higher elevations.” See the full report online at March Water Supply Outlook Report. one person dies by suicide every 27 hours in Idaho and each of these deaths costs the state over $1 million in medical bills and lost wages. S1297aa, aa, indicating it was twice amended, will establish online voter registration for Idaho following the elections this November. This effort, which passed the Senate unanimously, would lead to cost savings given that online registration costs about 80 cents less per voter than paper and will bring Idaho up to par with the 30 other states already utilizing this technology. With only 70% of the voting-age population registered to vote, the hope is that this measure, co-sponsored by my colleague Grant Burgoyne, will encourage greater participation in our elections. On that note, I was proud to file my paperwork for candidacy this week for the November election. Last Saturday, I was honored to judge The American Legion High School Oratorical State Championship in Mountain Home and very proud when Senate Page Nellie Christensen of Burley was awarded 3rd place. The pace of legislation is so swift now that it’s difficult to convey all the actions being considered in a weekly newsletter. Should you have any questions about legislative actions, please feel free to reach out to me by phone or email. It remains my honor to represent District 26 in the Idaho Senate.
March 9, 2016
Year-Long Film Festival
Imagine being one hundred years old! A hundred year birthday is certainly a milestone to celebrate. The National Park Service turns 100 years old in 2016 and the over 400 parks across the country are having a year-long exciting celebration! As part of the celebration, Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument and Minidoka National Historic Site are holding a monthly film festival, Centennial Cinema, to showcase their incredible stories. Movies will be shown in the Hagerman Fossil Beds NM Visitor Center auditorium in downtown Hagerman every third Saturday and Sunday. Hagerman Fossil Beds NM films through the year will highlight four major themes: “Fossil Features” – dinosaurs, fossils; “Starry Stories” – night sky, outer space; “Trail Tales” – Oregon Trail, pioneers; and “Geologic Gems” – geology, earth science. From January to June, the Minidoka cinema, “Home Run Hits,” will feature baseball films in anticipation of the rebuilding of a baseball/softball field at Minidoka on May 28,2016. Park Rangers and Interns will share stories and lead activities related to the films. Popcorn will be available and all participants are invited to bring a pillow or comfortable chair to enhance their viewing enjoyment.
March Centennial Cinema
Saturday, March 19, 3:00 pm: “Home Run Hits” Join us for a baseball movie. Learn more about the rebuilding of the field at Minidoka and enjoy a fun family time. Sunday, March 20, 2:00 pm: “Fossil Feature” The Sunday feature is about when the Earth was being overrun by glaciers, and animals were scurrying to save themselves from the upcoming ice age, three animals are forced to become unlikely heroes while braving the deadly winter elements.
Drop-In Saturdays
Hagerman Fossil Beds will be offering family activities at the Hagerman Visitor Center on the third Saturday of the month until May. Stop by anytime from 11 am to 3 pm on Saturdays and participate in nature themed crafts, activities and games. Everyone will have fun learning about the sciences of paleontology, geology, ecology and what our role should be as stewards of the land. Programs will vary weekly. Drop-in activities are free and do not require registration.
10 March 9, 2016 The Courier News ~ 888-934-1862 F&G Pelican Management Road Work Season Begins Serving with all Gentleness & Compassion...
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is asking for public input on Idaho’s management plan for the conservation of American white pelicans. The ten-year plan (2016–2025) is to conserve American white pelican populations and to manage impacts to Idaho’s fisheries. Idaho’s pelican population has increased dramatically over the last 25 years from a few hundred breeding birds in 1990 to several thousand breeders in recent years. This is generally considered a positive outcome of pelican conservation in the western population segment. However, the increase in pelicans has also resulted in predation impacts on native cutthroat trout and other important recreational fisheries in southern Idaho. Idaho Fish and Game is proposing a balanced approach that ensures the conservation of pelicans but reduces their impact to other conservation and recreation interests. To review the plan and submit comments, go online to Management Plan for the Conservation of American White Pelicans in Idaho on Fish and Game’s website at https://idfg.idaho. gov/form/pelican-plan-2016. Copies of the plan may also be obtained at regional Fish and Game offices. Comments may be submitted on the website or mailed to Pelican Plan Comments, c/o Idaho Fish and Game, P.O. Box 25, Boise, ID 83707.
Warmer temperatures in southern Idaho mean more than trees budding and grass growing — they also signal the start of another busy year of construction and maintenance on area roadways. While several bridge projects are ongoing from 2015, new work will focus on bridge maintenance and pavement surfacing projects throughout the Magic Valley region. Overall, 20 bridges will be under construction or seeing repairs, approximately 45 miles of roadway paving, and several safety updates or upgrades will be completed in the coming months. Major bridge-replacement projects include ongoing work at the Interstate 84 Twin Bridges over the Snake River near Declo, the Big Wood River bridge on Idaho 75 near Ketchum, and a pair of small canal bridges on Idaho 46 south of Wendell. The Perrine Bridge repair project, started last fall, will also be completed later this spring. Along U.S. 93 and U.S. 20 in Blaine and Lincoln counties, there will be 11 bridges receiving repairs and driving surface rehabilitation. Work on four bridges along Interstate 84 near Glenns Ferry and King Hill will also focus on a driving-surface treatment. The largest paving projects will take place along I-84 in three locations – for about 12 miles near Bliss, seven miles in eastern Jerome County, and seven miles near the Utah border. Additionally, 11 miles of surface restoration will take place along U.S. 20 between Gooding and Shoshone and 10 miles of Idaho 75 will be resurfaced south of Timmerman Junction. Overall, nearly $57 million of construction work is currently or will be under contract in southern Idaho in 2016. “With our current budget, we’re able to keep up with our most pressing roadway-maintenance needs in the area with a focus on keeping our bridges in good shape,” District Engineering Manager Scot Stacey said. Several projects have also been advanced from future years to take advantage of increased funding allocated by the 2015 Idaho Legislature. Eight projects have been advanced based on readiness and matching criteria for critical need to maintain or repair state highways and bridges. Project-specific information will be provided as start dates and all traffic impacts are determined. Highway construction is one of the key forces pushing Idaho toward continued economic vitality by creating jobs, improving safety and reducing traffic congestion. Send your News & Articles to News@Highway46.org or call 764-3322 Camas, Gooding, Lincoln counties
...but never Compromising the Truth.
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Peregrine Capture Permits
In January, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission adopted seasons and rules to continue annual capture of up to two nestling or juvenile wild peregrine falcons to be used for falconry. The 2016 permit application period is open March 15 through April 15. Two permits are available - one statewide permit for either a nestling or recently-fledged juvenile peregrine, and one permit limited to nestling take only in Lemhi and Custer counties or a recently-fledged juvenile peregrine statewide. Idaho resident falconers must have a master class license to apply for either permit, but not both. Successful applicants will be notified by April 25. Successful permit holders must wait two years before applying for another capture permit. The capture season runs from May 1 to August 31. The application and rules for capturing peregrines for falconry are available on the Fish and Game website: fishandgame. idaho.gov
Gooding Boxing Smoker
For Sale
►For Sale: Nearly new refrigerator. New $350, selling for $300. Pick up at Soldier Creek RV Park (red roof cabin any Sunday afternoon) No Phone. Cash only. ►1999 AUDI A6 QUATRO. All Options - Good condition. $2400. Call 230-6295. ►WoodMaster outdoor wood stove for sale. Sits outside and heats home, hot water, shop or barn. Small or large homes. Burn either wood or pellets. Safe and efficient. John 208-781-0691.
For Rent
Fairfield Rental: 131 Ponderosa Ave. East. 3 bed, 2 The Gooding Rotary Club is bringing back their bath, 2 car Garage & shop, 21st Boxing Smoker! Wood Floors, Stack W/D. Close to school & town. at the Gooding High School Gymnasium Available now. $750/mo If you and/or a friend, are interested in boxing in the Good- water/sewer included. Call ing Rotary Club Smoker, you need to contact one of the Box- Karen 208-720-1992.
Friday, April 1, 2016
ing Chairmen, Brent Owen, at 731-5001 or Craig Hobdey, at 934-4309. We encourage both women and men to enter. Make your plans… Mark your calendars! Bring a friend! This is an event you will not want to miss! General Admission Bleacher seat tickets will be available at the door, for $5.00 each. $10.00 if you would like Floor reserved tickets. Contact the Chairman, Ray Goodman, for reserved tickets.
This Week’s Sudoku Puzzle Answers
Puzzle #1 - Easy
Puzzle #2 - Hard
Employment
► Lincoln County-Job Opening: Lincoln County Clerk’s Office, Shoshone, Idaho, currently has a job opening for a Deputy Recorder, 32 hours a week. Starting wage is $10.10 per hour, DOE. Applications and job description can be found on the County Website at lincolncountyid.us or requested from bfarmworth@lincolncountyid.us.
March 9, 2016
Services ►Free Card Tricks. Available 7 days-a-week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 120 N. Idaho Street in Wendell (M.V. Manor/Safe Haven). Contact Andy Smith at 544-0092. ►In PAIN? Free sample, all Natural Supplement reduces pain. Limited Quantities. No Obligation or Purchase required! Call or Text Tara at 208-316-0983. ►PATCHING Levi, coveralls, etc. Repair broken zippers in anything: jackets, bags, pants, etc. Hemming: pants, dresses, coveralls, etc. NEW DROPS: Ace Hardware in Gooding & Shoshone. Call Kathy 837-6267. ►Complete Health Care Insurance Agency: Health, Dental, Vision & Hearing. Individual, Families, Friends & Business. Medicare & State Exchange. Disability, long term care, final expenses. Desiree’ DeGiorgio 208340-0544 or desireeshealthcare@hotmail.com (NPN # 16997876) ►Wood Furniture Repair: reglue joints. Storage shelving installed. Call 490-3750. ►Long Arm Quilting and Custom Sewing. Do you have a quilt top that needs to be quilted? Need to finish a quilt by sewing the binding? Call 208-934-6400 Sunflower Quilting in Bellevue, Idaho.
NOW HIRING!!! Various general labor jobs available in the Gooding and Twin Falls area. Contact BBSI at 735-5002 and ask for Suzzy or Donna. For an immediate interview or for more information stop by our office at 754 North College Road Suite B Twin Falls, ID 83301.
Don’t judge a tractor by the color of its paint. Just scrape it off and paint it Green.
Periodical Postage Paid at Fairfield, Idaho
Tee’s Bumper Sticker of the Week
(USPS 748-690)
Place a number in each empty box in such a way that each row across, each column down, and each small 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine. solution on page 11. © Kevin Stone [www.brainbashers.com]
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Puzzle #1 – Hard
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Puzzle #1 – Easy
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SUDOKU PUZZLES