The Courier
NEWS
New Playground for Bliss
Over the last several year, federal monies have been distributed throughout out communities as part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). While many of these funds were used to help employers keep employees on payroll during various shutdowns, $350 billion was earmarked for state and local governments. In Gooding County, over $350,000 in ARPA funds was distributed to four cities (Wendell, Gooding, Hagerman & Bliss) to help fund special projects. Most communities have used these funds for public health, economic needs, and educational programs such as 4H. Bliss used $90,000 to construct a new playground next to the city building. In Gooding, funds were used for an exercise court, and Hagerman used the money to help make their walking path ADA compliant.
F&G Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Sage-Grouse Hunting Seasons
Idaho Fish and Game officials are asking hunters and other interested parties to review and comment on proposed sage-grouse hunting seasons and tag proposals for 2023-24. Deadline to comment is July 19. Tag quotas have been increased in 7 of the 12 zones. The sage-grouse tag system is designed to limit harvest to no more than a maximum of 10% of the estimated fall population in each 12 reporting zones. In each zone, fall populations were estimated based on spring 2023 lek counts and recruitment estimates derived from juvenile: adult ratios observed in the harvest. To generate proposed tag numbers for each zone, Department staff first determined allowable harvest (targeting 8% of the estimated fall population in most zones during 2023), then assumed a 75% success rate. Zone Tag Quota 5B1 – Bear Lake Plateau 30 18 11 – North Owyhee 45 54 6E – Sand Creek 365 358 2 – South Owhyee 435 642 6W – Medicine Lodge 165 159 3A – Jarbidge 295 352 7A – Lost River 110 118 3B – Shoshone Basin 225 290 7B – Salmon-Challis 215 146 4A2 Camas Prairie 225 243 8 – Big Desert 280 268 4B2 – Craters 120 310 Statewide 2,510 2,958
Number of tags in Camas Prairie Zone should have been 280 and number of tags in Craters Zone should have been 220 (error in formula that calculated minimum population size in 2022). Firearm Season is September 16 - October 31, 2023. Falconry Season is August 15, 2023 March 15, 2024
News from the Heart of Idaho Camas • Lincoln • Gooding
July 12, 2023
Vol 47 Num 28
City of Wendell Receives City Achievement Award
The Association of Idaho Cities (AIC) recognized the City of Wendell with a Garret Nancolas City Achievement Award at the June 22nd banquet during the 76th AIC Annual Conference in Boise held June 21-23, 2023. Creativity, innovation, and solutions-oriented leadership define Idaho city officials. The Garret Nancolas City Achievement Awards recognize the work of cities around Idaho that have implemented pioneering approaches to improve quality of life, address community challenges, and enhance service delivery in cost-effective ways. This year, awards were given in six categories: Community Engagement, Economic & Community Development, Parks & Recreation, Public Safety, Public Works & Transportation, and Youth & Youth Council. The City of Wendell was recognized with a City Achievement Award in the Community Engagement Category for its project Community Spring Cleanup. The city provided dumpsters at city hall to encourage citizens to dispose of unwanted items. The city also picks up old furniture and larger things that are harder to take to the landfill. The program also provides an easy way to dispose of spring yard waste. Public Works also recycles old appliances and tires. The Association of Idaho Cities was formed in 1947 and is a nonpartisan, nonprofit corporation organized to serve Idaho’s 199 incorporated cities. AIC influences policies and provides education, training and technical assistance to strengthen the ability of city elected officials and staff to serve their communities.