The Courier
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New Steakhouse in Gooding
If you haven’t noticed, El Toro Taqueria in Gooding recently moved to the old Lincoln Inn building on Main Street. But, their old location at 127 3rd Avenue East, is already home to a new restaraunt. The Golden Club Steak House held its grand opening last Friday and is now open Thursday through Monday serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Their hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Owner Trisha Striker said the idea for the steakhouse was born only about a month ago, and the move by El Toro opened a unique opportunity that she just couldn’t pass by. They serve all your favorite breakfast and lunch items, but if you come in for dinner, bring a good appetite. Top of the menu is a 12 ounce Ribeye, with or without jumbo shrimp. If you’re not that hungry, go for the 10 ounce New York, an 8 ounce Sirloin, pork loin, or grilled chicken breast. They also have pasta, all with potato/veggies, soup or salad, and Texas toast (and yes, that is Rick Marolf at the grill). For dessert, you’ll have to go next door starting this Sunday, September 3rd, where Tara Boston will be having a grand opening of her ice cream shop - Tropisnacks. From 12 to 4 come in for a free snow cone, or try any of their great ice cream desserts - sundaes, floats, milk shakes, and lots more. Buy one, get the second for half off (Sunday only).
Open House at Two Sparrows Decor
Amazing how time flies. Just a year ago, Joey and Karima Vega opened up their home decor shop on 4th Avenue, just across from the Schubert Theater. Since then they have move to 337 Main Street in Gooding. This Saturday, September 2nd, Two Sparrows Decor will have an Open House to celebrate their one year anniversary! To show their appreciation to the community and surrounding neighbors, lunch is on them. They will be serving free Costco hot dogs, chips, and soda, from 12 to 3 p.m. Of course, while you are there, take a look around the store. Two Sparrows has a great selection of unique
items to decorate your home for the holidays, for special occasions, and for all year long. “Our goal is to bring affordable gifts and trendy home decor to Gooding,” said Karima. Most of their inventory is new with a few antiques, as well handmade items.
News from the Heart of Idaho Camas • Lincoln • Gooding
August 30, 2017 Volume 41 ~ Number 35
Lincoln County Budget Meeting
Normally, budget hearings generate very little interest from the public, mainly because they are just a lot of numbers. The Lincoln County budget hearing on August 28th was an exception with one of the largest turnouts Commissioner McConnell had ever seen. The main issue was one number that caught people’s attention, and they were none too happy about it. Under the category of “Commissioners - Salaries & Benefits” there was a budget increase of just over 43%. Currently, Lincoln County Commissioners receive a salary of $18,000 per year. If approved (next Tuesday at 11 a.m.) the budget increase will push that salary to over $30,000 per year. The main justification for this increase is the number of hours the commissioners spend doing their job. While they only meet once a week for official business, they also attend numerous other meetings throughout the area (commissioners often serve on regional boards) as well as being on call for county business. Based on the hourly equivalent of other elected officials, the commissioners are only being compensated for about 15 hours per week. In reality, they are spending 25 hours or more per week on this job, which makes it nearly impossible to be a county commissioner and hold a full-time job. Several individuals, including former commissioners, objected to the size of this salary increase. There was also objection to the recent disbandment of the county’s P&Z Commission, which some people see as a backhanded justification for the salary increase. It was suggested that instead of increasing their salaries, the commissioners should manage their time better and take advantage of those individuals who are willing to donate time to the county. One lady said, “It is the commissioner’s job to work through others, not to take on the entire burden.” Not all of the comments were negative. A few individuals supported the commissioners proposal stating that a higher salary would allow them to do a better job, and encourage others to run for this office. Instead of dividing their time between trying to make a living and serving the community, the commissioners should be allowed to give their all to making Lincoln County better. Despite the proposed increase in commissioner salaries, the overall increase of the county’s budget is only 1.72%.