The Courier
News
May 13
,2015
Volume 39 ~ Number 19 News from the Heart of Idaho Camas • Lincoln • Gooding
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Camas Lilies Having a Lack Luster Year Idaho Counties With the lack of moisture and an early spring, the Camas lilies (Camassia quamash) are having a light bloom this year and have started about two weeks early. According to local experts, this weekend may be the peak of the display. Although the blue flowers may not be as thick this year, a drive up to the Camas Prairie and a tour of the Centennial Marsh is still a great way to spend a day. On June 6th, the annual Camas Lily Days celebration in Fairfield will have to do without the flowers, but the Free Fishing Derby held at the Kids Pond one mile east of Fairfield, will have a brand new dock for
kids to try out thanks to the work of Fred Marolf. Fred has been helping kids (his own and others) have a great time at the Kids Pond for years, but with only two docks, it has always been a challenge finding a good fishing spot. With the permission of Fish & Game
and with help from a good neighbor, Fred is making easier for kids to fish. Last week, the first of four new docks was installed. The other three should be in by Derby Day, which will also be the first of Fish & Game’s “Take Me Fishing” events in the Magic Valley area.
Federal Representatives Hear Concerns On Monday, representatives from Senator Crapo, Senator Risch, and Congressman Simpson, met with business owners and local government leaders in Fairfield to talk about concerns and questions reguarding our federal government. David Hanks (High Country Fusion) expressed the concern that many small businesses have with the tax code. Last year, congress waited until the last minute to renew the Section 179 Deduction which allows businesses to expense the cost of capital assets in the year of purchase up to a certain amount. The result
was that businesses only had six days to make major decisions on capital expenses. Mr. Hanks said that sort of delay affected his company’s ability to hire employees and to bid on certan projects. To effectivelly plan for the furture, businesses (especially small businesses) need to have tax policies that they can rely on for at least 3 or 4 years. Fairfield Mayor, Scott Marolf, spoke about regulations and/or codes that cost communities money instead of helping them fix problems. continued on page 8.....
Designated Disaster Areas
WASHINGTON, May 6, 2015 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated five counties in Idaho (Blaine, Butte, Canyon, Custer and Payette) as primary natural disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by a recent drought. “Our hearts go out to those Idaho farmers and ranchers affected by recent natural disasters,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “President Obama and I are committed to ensuring that agriculture remains a bright spot in our nation’s economy by sustaining the successes of America’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities through these difficult times. We’re also telling Idaho producers that USDA stands with you and your communities when severe weather and natural disasters threaten to disrupt your livelihood.” Farmers and ranchers in the following counties in Idaho also qualify for natural disaster assistance because their counties are contiguous. contued page 2