The Courier
NEWS
Grand Opening for Hagerman Museum
Two years ago, the Hagerman Valley Historical Society purchased the US Bank building at the south end of Hagerman (111 Hagerman Ave West). Given the history of the building built in the late 1800s and its excellent condition, it is a perfect place for displaying the history of the valley and the people who have live there. This Saturday, April 13th, you are
Old Museum Building at 110 State Street South
invited to attend a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 11:00 a.m. After the ceremony the museum will be open until 4:00 p.m. for a FREE day to explore their exhibits, to meet Society members, and to learn about the rich history of the Hagerman Valley. You can also learn more about the building itself. For more information, check out their facebook page, call 208-837-6288, email hagermanhistory@gmail.com, or visit their website at: www.hagermanmuseum.org
Elk Management Plan Ready for Public Review
Idaho Fish and Game is seeking comments on its draft Idaho Elk Management Plan 20242030. The plan will provide guidance for staff to implement management actions that will aid in managing elk populations and guide harvest recommendations. It will function as the action plan for Idaho elk management through 2030 by guiding Fish and Game staff in annual work plan development and prioritization while providing direction for development of season recommendations. Major sections in the plan include: • Population Monitoring • Hunting Opportunities • Predation • Private Lands and Elk • Habitat • Statewide Management Direction • Elk Management Zones See the elk management plan webpage to read and comment. Deadline to comment is 6 p.m. on May 5. Why is it important to hunters? The updated plan is a revision and not a complete overhaul. The department and Commission are unlikely to drastically change the current foundation of elk hunting, which is the 28 Elk Zones continued on page 7... with the A/B tag system and a mix of general and controlled hunts.
News from the Heart of Idaho Camas • Lincoln • Gooding
April 10, 2024
Vol 48 Num 15
Broadband Update
In December, state funding was approved for broadband projects in Gooding, Camas and Lincoln counties. While the general goal is the same for each of these counties (to improve internet connectivity), each project is a little different - in size and the stage of development. The primary goal for each of these counties is to build an Open Access Network. In simple terms, this will be like a public internet highway system that can be used by anyone. The infrastructure will be owned by the counties, but you will be able to choose between various internet providers. The big question on everyone's mind is, "When will all of this happen?" In 2022, Lincoln County built the first phase of their system with the installation of wireless towers to provide internet connection to the outlying areas. While this was a great improvement for some, it was not the ideal solution for everyone. The second phase of this project (using a $4 million grant from the Idaho Capital Projects Fund) will expand fiber into each of Lincoln County's three towns. The first step in this phase is to build a fiber-optic backbone through each community. The fiber-optic backbone will act as the local internet highway to which individual roadways (the line into people's homes) will be connected. All of these "local" networks will be connected into the internet Super-Highway that connects us to the world. Lincoln County is two years into their project and it may take another two years to fully connect those communities. Gooding County is in a similar situation with their middle/last mile broadband project. Multiple phases may push full completion into 2027 or beyond. Camas County's project is smaller and has only one phase with a projected completion date at the end of 2026, though it might be completed sooner. The determining factors include weather, and the availability of materials. The contractor for all of these projects, ETS Telecommunications, will be building and managing the Open Access Network. As they get close to completing the fiber-optic backbones, they will begin reaching out to homes owners throughout the area.