The Courier
News Hope & Fear in America
About 25 years ago, a movie came out called “Strictly Ballroom.” It was a humorous look at the world of competitive ballroom dancing with a heavy dose of romance. The climax of the movie came when the main character’s father (an old dancer) shouts to his son, “We lived our lives in fear... fear... fear.” (that was an echo) Last week, while on my delivery route, a young lady came up and hugged me. This is not an unusual occurrence - I have many friends throughout our three county area. However, given the current state of affairs (i.e. Covid-19) it was a total violation of social distancing. Did I mind? No, not at all. I am not suggesting that we should ignore basic safety procedures in trying to prevent the spread of Covid-19, but neither should we live in fear. The hoarding of toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and other grocery items is an overreaction based on fear... fear and selfishness. With Governor Little’s “Stay at Home” order issued last Wednesday, Idaho’s economy has come almost to a complete stop. This brings a new fear - will I have a job or a business when all of this is over? There is no solid answer for this question. Some numbers suggest Covid-19 is not nearly as dangerous as some believe. If so, we could be getting back to work in the next three or four weeks. On the other hand, this disease seems have up and down cycles that could last as long as two years. This lack of definitive information has encouraged many in the mainstream media to continue their hate mongering towards our President. While this is no surprise, it makes it hard to understand what is really going on in our nation. And in doing so, media has made itself the number one reason for our fear. In the movie “Strictly Ballroom” the main character learns to not fear “new steps” in the world of dance. In our world, we will have to learn new ways of doing things as well, and we should not be afraid of those changes. Our nation has weathered many such challenges over the last 250 years, and we can be victorious again.
News from the Heart of Idaho Camas • Lincoln • Gooding
April 1, 2020
Vol 44 Num 14
Primary Election Will Be All Absentee
In the weeks to come, Secretary of State Lawerence Denney and Idaho’s 44 county clerks will be promoting absentee voting for the Primary election through the #VoteEarlyIdaho campaign, which will include mailings to all registered Idaho voters informing them of the absentee process and timelines. “Please do your part to help us keep you and your neighbors safe by requesting your absentee ballot today,” says Secretary of State Lawerence Denney. “This will give our county clerks and their teams more time to respond to the increased volume of requests under the current conditions. In order to expedite the process for Idahoans to request their absentee ballot for the Primary election, the Secretary of State’s office has created an online absentee ballot request form, available for those registered electors with an Idaho driver’s license or ID card.
IdahoVotes.gov/vote-early-idaho
Downloadable request forms are available for those without the requirements for the online system. Ballot request forms can also be obtained from county clerks offices and websites. To Cities throughout our area (Fairfield, Richfield, Dietrich, Shoshone, Hagerman) have passed help spread the word, the Idaho Secretary of State asks all Idaresolutions declaring a Local Disaster Emergency for each of their communities. hoans to share the campaign on social media using the hashtag In response to recommendations from the Governor and Health & Welfare, ALL CITY #VoteEarlyIdaho, as well as to like and follow the Secretary of OFFICES ARE CLOSED. Utility Bills may be paid by dropping payment through drop box State on Facebook and Twitter (@IDSecOfState) in order to on the front door of the City Office or by mailing payments (please, no cash). stay updated on changing elections information. Local Disaster Declarations authorize cities to establish alternative administrative policies Vote Early Idaho necessary to conduct city business and to protect the public health and safety - including the use of telecommunication to conduct meetings. Protect Yourself. Protect Your Neighbors. According to Fairfield Mayor, Terry Lee, the main goal is provide quick response to commu-- -- -nity needs. “For example,” said Mr. Lee “The city can pull funds from reserves without having Note: Last Friday, Idaho Secretary of State Lawerence Denney deto first advertise and hold a public hearing, which will save multiple weeks in response time.” livered a formal request to Governor Brad Little to delay the May A copy of your city’s Declaration of Local Disaster Emergency (if they have declared one) can 19th Primary Election and to close all polling locations for the same. be found one their individual websites. Regardless of the election date, the safe vote is an absentee vote.
Covid-19 Disaster Declarations