The Courier
NEWS
Gooding County Passes Energy Ordinance
On February 3, 2025, the Gooding County Board of Commissioners passed Ordinance #117 to address energy generation projects in Gooding County (see page 6 for summary).
The new ordinance defines a number of energy related systems: Agrisolar, Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), Charging Stations, etc. Large and small scale wind/solar projects are defined by size (less than or more than one megawatt) and the amount of land used for the project. There is also a distinction between commercial/public projects and personal/private systems.
The primary goal of this ordinance is the regulation of energy projects which may have adverse effects on public health, agricultural uses, scenic corridors, fish & wildlife, native plants, and historical/cultural sites.
Uses and activities not affected by this ordinance include natural gas project pipelines, petroleum project pipelines, electric transmission and distribution lines, and structureintegrated energy generation systems. Also, technologies that use agricultural waste products for conversion into methane, natural gas, and other forms of energy are not subject to regulation by this ordinance.
Other than personal use energy projects, most projects will require a Special Use Permit and are limited to certain zoning districts. Three types of projects are not allowed in any zone: largescale wind projects, large-scale solar projects, and battery energy storage systems over 90kw.
Lastly, this ordinance addresses Emerging Technologies. There are a mulitude of advancements taking place in the field of renewable energy, many of which lack sufficent information, statistics, safety protocols, or long-term studies regarding hazards and/or unknown consequence. Gooding County reserves the right to refuse such applications.
Comment on Proposed Big Game Seasons
Idaho Fish and Game will be setting new big game seasons for deer, elk, pronghorn, black bear, wolf, and mountain lion in March, and hunters can comment on season proposals until February 23rd. Hunters can easily check out the proposals on the big game season setting webpage at idfg.idaho.gov/comment.
Big game seasons will be finalized by the Fish and Game Commission during its March 26 meeting in Boise. The application period for big game controlled hunts runs May 1 through June 5.
The public comment process will also include meetings hosted at Fish and Game’s regional offices at the time and dates listed below.
Feb. 12, Mountain Home, 6–8 p.m., Mountain Home Junior High School, 1600 E. 6th S. Street
Feb 18., Jerome, 6–8 p.m., Fish and Game Magic Valley Regional Office, 324 S. 417 East
Water
Supply Outlook Report
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Idaho has released the February Water Supply Outlook Report for the 2025 Water Year.
“Thanks to an abnormally dry January, snowpack percentages compared to normal decreased significantly", said Erin Whorton, Water Supply Specialist for NRCS Idaho. “As of February 1, basin-wide snowpack percentages range from 68 to 119%. This means that snow drought conditions developed in the Wood, Lost, Upper Snake, Bear, Salmon, Clearwater and Coeur d’Alene-St. Joe basins during January.”
“In terms of total water year precipitation, conditions are driest in the Wood and Lost basins (62% to 76%) and wettest along the southern border of Idaho (82 to 97%). Fortunately, at report time, significant snowfall is occurring across the state. Hopefully, these storms will alleviate snow drought conditions.”
Wood and Lost Basins
Feb. 21, Challis, 5–7 p.m., Community Event Center, 411 Clinic Road February 12,
Dry high-pressure weather systems dominated in January; the Wood and Lost Basins received just 55 to 70% of their normal monthly precipitation. The dry month pushed the water year precipitation total further below normal, it now ranges from 60 to 75% of normal. For many SNOTEL sites in the region, this is in the bottom 10th percentile of total water year precipitation for February 1. The snowpack conditions fare slightly better but are still below normal at 70 to 90% of normal. The westernmost Big Wood Basin snowpack is closest to normal, as the basin benefited the most from westerly storm patterns at the start and end of January. Strong storms in February could bring snowpack conditions closer to normal conditions in all of the Wood and Lost basins. NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center indicates that above normal precipitation is likely in the medium range forecasts and in the February monthly outlook. This is a promising sign for improved snowpack conditions by March 1st.
Magic Reservoir is above normal storage as of February 1, at 127% of normal (33% capacity). Mackay and Little Wood Reservoir are slightly below normal at 84% and 88% of normal storage respectively (53% and 50% of capacity). Streamflow forecasts for the Wood and Lost basins are mostly below normal, ranging from ~60 to 90% of normal for the 50% exceedance forecast, except for Camas Creek near Blaine at 102% of normal.
Notices of Upcoming Events & Meetings
Camas Fair Board Meeting
Camas County Fair Board is always welcoming new members! If you are interested in helping plan the fair, please come to the next scheduled meeting at the Camas Annex Building located at 517 Soldier Road. Tuesday, February 18th at 5:00 p.m.
Camas
4-H Beef Club
Is your family interested in joining the Camas County 4H Beef Club? Please contact the 4H Extension Office at 764-2230 for sign-up info. Tentative weigh-in date: March 7th. Please have your steers or heifers halter-broke by the weigh-in date.
Calling All Landowners & Water Users Water, Weeds, Voles... And More
Valentine Bake Sale
Due to adverse winter weather, the Valentine Bake Sale at the Camas County Senior & Community Center had to be reschedule to take place during lunch time this week. Stop by for lunch on Wednesday and Friday, and grab some yummy desserts to take home.
On Saturday, February 22nd, the Camas Chamber of Commerce will be serving breakfast at the center from 8:30 to 10:30.
Art of Flyfishing
Part 1: Introduction to Fly Tying
In this intimate class, Paul Aguilar, fly fishing guide with Silver Creek Outfitters and part of 5B Anglers, will answer a key question – which fly do I use? By analyzing an insect’s shape, participants will learn how to identify key anatomy and then practice tying flies commonly used in fishing. Hosted by Hailey Public Library on Thursday, February 27 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Town Center West, 116 S River. All materials provided. Space is limited and preregistration is required by emailing kristin.fletcher@haileypubliclibrary.org.
“Lengthening days remind us that spring is truly on its way,” commented organizer Kristin Fletcher, the library’s programs and engagement manager, “If you’re a fly fisher with a hankering to learn how to tie flies to ‘match the hatch’ the day fishing season begins, then this class is for you.”
Fishing with artificial flies was first recorded near the end of the 2nd century. Macedonian anglers were described as wrapping red wool and small feathers around a hook to look like real insects although some experts claim the skill began more than 200 years before. Flyfishing in various forms has been practiced in Japan, Scotland, Ireland and reached an artform in Great Britain in 1653 with the publication of The Compleat Angler by Izaak Walton. The sport of flyfishing is now found around the world.
In this presentation, participants will be introduced into the fundamentals of fly tying and have the opportunity for hands-on practice. Although thousands of fly patterns can be found in books, the goal of this presentation is simply to get started in the art of fly tying under the tutelage of expert tier Paul Aguilar. The series continues on March 27 with Get Your Feet Wet: A Brief Introduction to Flyfishing with Trout Unlimited’s Ed Northen. On April 24, Northen will teach a hands-on casting workshop which will conclude the series, but spots are very limited.
Paul Aguilar hails from New Jersey but was raised in Idaho, moving west in the early 2000s for a simple life of the mountains and the west coast. Later, he and his wife spent two years traveling in a 20-foot camper and fishing their way through 30 national parks and 34 states. Paul loves to share his lifelong love of fly fishing and tying with young and old and to help everyone be successful. He’s always looking for that “Aha!” moment that ignites the spark in one more angler. For more information and to sign up, call 208-788-2036 or visit www.haileypubliclibrary.org
4-H Fun Friday
4-H Fun Friday is for grades 3-12, held in the Camas County Public Library from 1-3 p.m. During the months of January & February, come and explore what you can do with paper.
Friday, February 14th - How Do You Make Paper? Exploring how to make paper.
Coming Soon... Teen Winter Camp!
(Registration deadline is February 21, 2025) February 28 thru March 2, 2025
Cost is $100 including transportation. For an application or more information, email teenwintercamp@idaho4hcamp.com, or Visit online at www.idaho4hcamp.com or on Facebook
Unleashing American Energy
U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), and Steve Daines (R-Mont.) introduced legislation to unleash American energy, promote U.S. energy dominance and benefit rural communities.
The Supporting Made in America Energy Act would support oil and gas development by requiring: Four annual onshore lease sales in top oil and gas producing states, Two annual offshore lease sales in the Gulf, and Six offshore lease sales over ten years in Alaska's Cook Inlet.
"I share President Trump's vision of revitalizing America's leadership in energy production and fueling a more prosperous future," said Risch. "The Supporting Made in America Energy Act removes barriers to achieving these goals by expanding access to America's rich resources, strengthening our economy, and safeguarding our national security."
"We need pro-American energy proposals that help enhance U.S. energy independence and make us less reliant on our adversaries like China," said Crapo. "American-made energy means more jobs, more domestic energy and stronger national security."
"Now that we have a President who supports our energy industry instead of pushing a radical environmental agenda, it's time to get to work on real change to unleash American energy and ensure that we remain dominant on the world stage. These bills will have a huge impact on creating Montana jobs, boosting our economy and protecting our national security, and I'll work with my colleagues every step of the way to get them over the finish line," said Daines.
Free Webinars for 2024 Income Taxes
Looking for some guidance on filing income taxes? Get tips for completing your return at free webinars presented by the Idaho State Tax Commission.
The "Lunch & Learn – Idaho Tax Basics for Retirees" webinar will help you stay current on tax obligations in retirement. The online class covers taxing retirement income, withholding for retirement income, Idaho's grocery credit for seniors and retirees, and other deductions and credits available for seniors and retirees
Attend webinar/sessions on February 12, 18, or March 12. All sessions are from 12-2 p.m. To sign up for a webinar or for more information, visit tax.idaho.gov/register. For more information about the Taxpayer Advocate Service, visit taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov.
Tip Dinner
Email: Music@Goodingschools.org to be put in contact with a Music Student All proceeds benefit Gooding Senators Music. Funds Provide Travel & Expanded Learning Opportunities for our Students. This event is recommended for ages 10+. Free activities for younger children available in multipurpose room. Activities provided by gear up and honor society students. Tri
Tickets can be purchased from any GMS/GHS Music Student
Senior Center Menus
Shoshone Richfield
886–2369 (218 N Rail St. W) 487–2722 130 S Main Street
obituary
Joe "Lou" Gonzales
Lunch: $2 (under 12) $6.00 (12-59) $5 over 60 (suggested)
Thursday, Feb 13 (Rich) Corn Dogs & Tots
Friday, Feb 14 (Sho) Roast Beef & Mash Potato
Monday, Feb 17 (Rich) Baked Tilapia & Fried Potatoes
Tuesday, Feb 18 (Sho) Cheeseburgers & Apple Crisp
Wed, Feb 19 (Sho) Ham Sandwich w/ Soup & Pie
Fairfield 764-2226 (129 Willow Avenue West)
Open Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays for Lunch
Friday, Feb 14 Lamb Roast & Mash Potato
Tuesday, Feb 18 Mac n'Cheese w/ Chicken Strips
Wednesday, Feb 19 Sweet n'Sour Chicken
Gooding 934-5504 (308 Senior Avenue)
Breakfast every First Saturday 7:30-9:30..... $6.00
Thursday, Feb 13 Chicken Fried Steak
Monday, Feb 17 Tater Tot Casserole
Tuesday, Feb 18 Beet Tips & Noodles
Wednesday, Feb 18 Curry Chicken
Hagerman 837-6120 (140 East Lake Street)
Lunch is served every Monday, Wednesday & Friday.
Friday, Feb 14... Spaghetti
Monday, Feb 17... Burgers & Fries
Wednesday, Feb 19... Pork Stew
Wendell 536-9951 (380 East 1st Street)
Lunch is served every Monday & Friday at Noon.
Friday, Feb 14... Cheeseburgers & Fries
Monday, Feb 17... Chicken Strips & Fries
All menus are subject to change without notice. This Week’s Sudoku Puzzle Answers
- Easy
Joe “Lou” Gonzales, resident of Gooding, passed away on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at St. Alphonsus Medical Center in Boise. He was born, March 29, 1940, on his family farm, the son of Joe and Duby Gonzales.
Joe began his education in Shoshone and completed in Gooding. Lou joined the army in 1963 and served in Germany and Hawaii. He told many stories of serving in the radio tower and playing solitaire for hours upon hours.
Once he was discharged, he returned to Gooding, where he met Lorel Baker. The two of them spent many hours at the Lincoln Inn, where Lou loved to dance and listen to his brother sing. The two were married in 1969 and settled in Gooding to raise their family, where Lou remained until his passing.
Lou worked for the railroad, Wilson Bates, City of Gooding, and the Methodist Church. Lou’s true passion has always been sports. He was a lifetime fan of the Green Bay Packers, Notre Dame, NY Yankees and Boston Celtics. He loved coaching his sons’ soccer, basketball, and baseball teams. Lou could also be found as a showboat umpire during his daughter’s softball games. He rarely missed a sporting event his children were in, and this dedication continued with his grandchildren. He spent many years cheering middle and high school soccer, football, basketball, and softball teams; watching his grandchildren play or son coach. He was also a scout leader for the Eagle Scouts.
Lou enjoyed time spent with his family. Summers in Lagoon and Seaside, Christmases at the cabin, and many occasions, sitting with his siblings; eating burgers and watermelon and singing songs until all hours. Music was an important part of the Gonzales family and Lou was singing the classics until his passing. There was not a genre of music Lou did not love, from Beethoven to Beach Boys, but his favorite was always the 50’s.
Lou is survived by his wife Lorel; sons Nick (Cyndi) and Craig Gonzales and daughter Shanna (Michael) Liborio; grandchildren Derek (Sharon) Higson, Tayler (Jaydon) Rossman, Kassidi Gonzales, Jayson Liborio, Kylee Liborio and Cadyn Liborio; sister Georgia (Eldon) Wright and many nieces and nephews.
Lou was preceded in death by his parents, sisters- Toni, Barbara, Fran, Stella, Rita, and Josie and brother Joe Jr, nephew, niece and multiple cousins.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Demaray Funeral Service – Gooding Chapel. Burial to follow at the Elmwood Cemetery in Gooding.
Condolences, memories and photos can be shared with the family by following the obituary link at www.demarayfuneralservice.com
death & service notices
- Hard
Patsy Shelton, 87, a resident of Gooding, passed away on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at St Luke's in Twin Falls. Cremation arrangements are under the care and direction of Demaray Funeral Service - Gooding Chapel.
Georgia Louise Sommerville, 83, a resident of Eagle and formerly of Gooding, passed away on Friday, February 7, 2025 at St. Alphonsus in Boise. Cremation arrangements are under the care and direction Bowman's Funeral Home in Boise, Idaho. Local arrangements are under the care and direction of Demaray's Funeral Service - Gooding Chapel.
Jorge Campos, 48, a resident of Bliss, left us far too soon on Sunday, February 9, 2025 at the Eastern Idaho Medical Center in Idaho Falls. Funeral services are under the care and direction of Demaray Funeral Service - Gooding Chapel.
Donald Larson
Donald “Don” Larson, 92, a resident of Gooding, passed away on Friday, January 31, 2025 at the North Canyon Medical Center in Gooding. Donald Keith Larson was born September 21st in 1932 to Kenneth Lavern Larson and Helen Beatrice Thomason in St. Louis, Missouri.
Don finished high school at Lanier High School in Montgomery, Alabama.
obituaries
He joined the service in the Air Force, following in his dad's footsteps. He was stationed in Saudi Arabia during the Korean War. During this time, he visited his family in Fountainblue, France where his dad was stationed.
After the service Don went to University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho where he met Lynn, love of his life, getting married September 5, 1954 at the First Methodist Church in Gooding Idaho. They returned to Moscow, Idaho so he could further his education at University of Idaho.
Their first child, a daughter Angie was born January 1959. Don finished his Bachelor Degree at U of I in the following June.
He then took a job with the census. Moving then to Parsons, Kansas for two years. From here to Bozeman, Montana to finish his schooling at Montana State graduating with a Masters and Doctoral Degree in Agricultural Economics. During this time a second child was born a son, Greg. He then was transferred to Washington D.C. settling in Maryland where they bought a home. His job took him to most all of the 50 states.
In 1990 Don retired from United States Department of Agriculture, ERS at what time they moved back to Gooding, Idaho. Their son Greg and daughter Angie stayed behind in Maryland because they both had good jobs.
In Gooding Don and Lynn moved in with Lynn's Father, Harvey because he had a stroke. They continued to live with him so he could keep the house. They stayed in his house after Harvey passed away.
Lynn had been ill many years even in her younger years with Scarlett Fever. With back surgery, and continuing arthritis and eye problems. Her art work and love of horses kept her going until July of 2022 when she passed. Don and Lynn had been married 57 loving years.
He is survived by his loving daughter Angie Larson and loving son Greg Larson; sister Catherine Paz; nephews Aaron Paz, and Mike Jonson; nieces Donna Jonson and two great nieces Brianna Stoddard and Micaela Johnson.
Don lived a long life with a strong Faith in God and a desire to help other people.
He belonged to many organizations including U.S. Dept. of Defense honoring those who served; American Legion, Post Adjuant, Veterans of Foreign Wars and also assisted in placing wreaths on graves in Gooding and Surrounding towns.
“Success is a journey not a destination”, so say the American Legion. His walk with the Lord, was a walk like in the verse from Philippians 4:7; Full of the peace that passes all understanding for peace only comes from the Lord.
He will be greatly missed.
Memorial services were held on Monday, February 10, 2025, at Demaray Funeral Service – Gooding Chapel. A private family inurnment will take place on a later date at Sunset Memorial Park in Twin Falls.
Cremation arrangements are under the care and direction of Demaray Funeral Service.
Leo Coleman
Leo Garnett Coleman, 90, peacefully passed away on Sunday, February 2, 2025 at his home in Wendell, Idaho.
Leo was born on November 21, 1934, at the home of his grandparents, Manuel and Grace Porter, in the little community of Orchard Valley on the outskirts of Wendell, to Frank Almond and Emma Adaline (Porter) Coleman.
Leo often said that 1955 was the most important year of his life. He graduated from Wendell High School, enlisted in the Marine Corps, married the love of his life, Eleanor Lorine Paine, and celebrated the birth of his firstborn son.
Over the next twenty years, they celebrated the birth of two more sons and two daughters. They traveled extensively due to his career in the Marine Corps and Leo served two tours in Vietnam. He retired from active duty in 1975 as a Staff Sergeant with various military awards, including the Navy Achievement Medal with Valor. They then moved back to his hometown, where he served another ten years as a Reserve Marine. He retired from his service in the Marines on June 1, 1985.
To pass the time, and for his social needs, he started a business repairing small engines in Wendell. Social interaction was important to him and he loved being part of the Wendell community. He was involved in both the Wendell Optimist Club and the Gooding Historical Society. He was also involved with various train clubs. Model trains were his passion, and he often dragged his children on trips to various old train stations, so he could take multiple pictures and measurements with the intent of building miniature versions of them.
In addition to raising five children, he and his wife opened up their hearts and their home to foster children. He often thought about them in later years and hoped they were doing well.
Leo is survived by his sister - Ilene Coleman Rounsefell; his children - Thomas Alan of California, Scott Lynn, Lionel Jonn, Athena Kay Lopez, and Brenda Marie DeNaughel all of Idaho; 18 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and 1 great, great, grandchild.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Eleanor; his brother, Rick; his sister, Marie and his granddaughter, April.
A memorial graveside service will be held at the Wendell Cemetery on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 2:00 pm. A remembrance will be held immediately following at the Wendell American Legion Hall.
Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Demaray Funeral Service - Wendell Chapel
Summary of Ordinance No. 117
The full text is available at the Gooding County Clerk’s office, 624 Main Street, Gooding, ID, Mon-Thu 7:30a.m.-5:30p.m. and on Gooding County’s website: goodingcounty.org
PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This Ordinance establishes the regulations and siting criteria for new and expanding energy generation projects in Gooding County. The regulations contained herein are designed to protect and promote the public health, safety, and community welfare of Gooding County; to promote the proper location and development of such projects based on the effective use of local resources; and avoid unreasonable adverse impacts on the use and peaceful enjoyment of nearby lands for lawful purposes.
This Ordinance shall be effective upon its passage and publication as provided by law.
APPROVED BY THE Board of Commissioners of Gooding County, State of Idaho, on the 3rd day of February 2025.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Gooding County Planning and Zoning Commission that the following Public Hearing will be held March 11, 2025, starting at 5:30 p.m.
SPECIAL USE PERMIT application submitted by: Clare Corcoran, representing American Tower, 10 Presidential Way, Woburn, MA 01801. Special use request is for continued operation of existing telecommunication facility. Located at 1993 Frontage Rd S, Wendell, ID. It is within Section 4, Township 8S, Range 15E. It is zoned Transitional 2.
SPECIAL USE PERMIT application submitted by: Doug Wickham, P.O. Box 297, Hagerman, ID. Special use request is to utilize a laydown yard for storing equipment and supplies. Located at 2881 Ritchie Road Hagerman, ID. It is within Section 30, Township 7S, Range 14E. It is zoned Agricultural.
SPECIAL USE PERMIT application submitted by: Emily Butler, 270 Spring Cove Road, Bliss, ID. Special use request is to operate a trucking terminal yard. Located at 17075 US Hwy 30, Bliss, ID. It is within Section 1, Township 6S, Range 12E. It is zoned Agricultural.
SPECIAL USE PERMIT application submitted by: Scott Bybee, representing Rock Ridge Resources, LLC, 1128 E 4150 N Buhl, ID. Special use request is to operate a gravel production company. Located at 3351 S 1950 E, Wendell, ID. It is within Section 21, Township 8S, Range 15E. It is zoned Agricultural.
The applications are on file with the office of the Planning and Zoning Administrator and available upon request. Any person(s) may attend the hearings in person and written and/or oral testimony shall be taken. A five-minute time limit on oral testimony of supporters and opponents shall be enforced. Please submit written testimony which is more than one page long to the Planning and Zoning Office by 5:30 p.m. by March 4, 2025.
The regular meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission will follow the hearing and the general public is invited to attend. This notice is in accordance with Idaho Code § 67-6512 and Gooding County Ordinance 104.
Dated this 6th day of February, 2025
Submitted by: Nancy Eilers, Administrator Gooding County Planning & Zoning
Legislative Update from Representative Miller
Week 4... Ending January 30, 2025
Current
Bills are beginning to move through the House. Most committees are still finishing rules and hearing RSs (Routing Slips). A legislator brings an RS to a committee for consideration. The committee decides what to do with the RS. If they vote to print the RS, it is printed with a bill number and typically returned to committee for a hearing.
Change in Employee Compensation (CEC)
JFAC once again considered CEC in 4 different motions. There was $3.2 million (1.8%) between the low and high number. There were some minor differences in how the increases would be distributed among employees. I was proud of the House members vote. Even though not in agreement about every aspect of the motion, the majority were willing to support the negotiated motion of the statewide budget so we could move on to our regular budget process. The motion failed the Senate vote. This may result in a longer session since JFAC cannot begin the regular budget process as scheduled.
Upcoming Millertime
The Legislative Distrcit 24 legislators are coordinating scheduling a series of Townhall meetings. It takes a while to get everyone’s calendar to sync!!
The Week
H93 Idaho Parental Choice Tax Credit is a refundable tax credit for up to $5,000 for a parent or guardian or foster parent who incurs qualified education expenses for an eligible student. “Qualified expenses” include kindergarten through twelfth grade tuition and fees related to attending a nonpublic school, tutoring, taking assessments used to determine college admission, costs for textbooks, curriculum, and transportation costs for the purpose of receiving academic instruction. The refundable tax credit is increased up to $7,500 for special needs students that require ancillary personnel to assist in academic instruction. All families may apply for the refundable tax credit during the application timeframe, but families whose income is less than 300% of the federal poverty level receive the highest priority and can also elect to have a one-time advance tax credit payment in their first year of participation in the program.
House Session & Votes
The House approved HJM 1 which is a House Joint Memorial in a 46-24-0 vote. This memorial expresses the Idaho Legislature’s commitment to restoring the definition of marriage as a union between one man and one woman, urging the Supreme Court to reconsider the Obergefell v. Hodges decision and return authority over marriage laws to the states and their citizens. I support the memorial’s declaration that this a state issue and not a Federal issue. HJM 1 will now go to the Senate.
The House approved H7 which provides for a mandatory minimum of $300 for 3 oz of marijuana possession.
Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee (JFAC)
JFAC approved an Employee Benefits Cost package of $14,300. That is a 10% increase over last year! Health care insurance continues to rocket out of control.
Agricultural Affairs Committee
The committee has heard presentations by the Oilseed Commission, Snake River Sugar beet Growers and Amalgamated Sugar. The US consumes 12 million tons of sugar. Nine million tons comes half and half from sugar beets and sugar cane. Is sugar cane sugar actually better than sugar beets? Nope! Same sugar either way! How much sugar is in the average sugar beet? About 1 cup!! Sweeeeet! Bill Highlights: Bill # Topic Vote H
It is an honor to serve as your Representative in the Idaho House of Representatives. Representative Steven Miller - District 24B
Mary Jeanne Elliott
Mary Jeanne Elliott was born in Twin Falls, Idaho, and passed in Boise, Idaho, from natural causes. She attended schools throughout the Magic Valley graduating from Castleford High School. Mary Jeanne was raised by mother, Jean (MacKay) Thompson, and grew up with her sisters and brother. She loved 4-H and Job’s Daughters and served as Honored Queen. She often spent time with her maternal grandparents who immigrated from Scotland.
In 1960, Mary Jeanne became a banker in Filer, Idaho. Not long after arriving in Filer, she met a young man named Bill Elliott. It was love at first sight for him, but it took a bit of convincing for her. They eloped (to the dismay of their parents). Together, Bill and Mary Jeanne raised their children, Chris, Bob and Kathleen in the Magic Valley. She and Bill built their tree and custom farming businesses. Mary Jeanne began her banking career at Fidelity National Bank which later merged with Idaho First National Bank, WestOne and US Bank. She was one of the first women presented with the President’s Award and retired from banking after 37.5 years.
Mary Jeanne, Bill and their family loved their community. Mary Jeanne served as Treasurer of the fundraising committee to build the Filer Swimming Pool. She served the Filer United Methodist Church as Treasurer and the United Methodist Women (UMW) by providing the Kiwanis luncheons as a community service and fundraiser. She later received the UMW service pin. She was a 50-year member of the Order of Eastern Star and served on the Proxy Committee for the Filer Mutual Telephone Company/Truleap. She and Bill were twice named Grand Marshals for the annual parade.
Mary Jeanne and Bill led their family into many fun adventures. They played at the cabin at Boulder Creek and the cabin they built at Soldier Mountain and spent many weekends at a friend’s rustic ranch east of Jackpot. The Elliott family was always busy with work, school, sports, community service, church and simply having fun (nothing beat Sunday drives, water skiing, crosscountry skiing and jumping into the Jeep for an ice cream cone run)! She was a Room Mother for her children’s classrooms and was always “on-call” for their activities.
Mary Jeanne was a terrific travel companion. With Bill, she toured the southwest, fed the elk in Jackson Hole and visited family from coast to coast. She loved traveling to Seattle and San Francisco and had great fun driving a MINI Cooper from Portland and a high-ranger from Indiana. For her 70th birthday, Mary Jeanne and her youngest daughter traveled through England and Scotland, met their extended family and stood on the water’s edge where her grandparents played as children.
Our wonderful Mary Jeanne is survived by her children, Bob and Kathleen; in-laws, Michelle and Teresa; grandchildren, Stacia, Alex, Tasha, Parker and Preston and their families; sisters, Sally and Anni; nieces and nephews; and a circle of family and friends across Idaho and beyond. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill; daughter, Christine; parents, Jean (MacKay) Thompson and Woodrow Harvey; and brother, Don.
Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the Twin Falls First United Methodist Church, 360 Shoshone Street North in Twin Falls.
Mary Jeanne was a genuinely kind and welcoming person who never wanted anyone to feel alone or excluded. Her smile was legendary and something for each of us to pass on. She would be honored by any kindness you extend to another or a memorial contribution to an organization of your choice.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Mary Jeanne’s memorial webpage at www.farmerfuneralchapel.com
Gooding: 345 Main St, Gooding Twin Falls: 2732 Kimberly Rd, Twin Falls Fairfield: 516 Solider Rd, Fairfield (by appt. only)
Levin, MD • Dean Rodemack, PA-C • Bryce Bennion, Pharm.D (Sliding Scale fees available)
Tee’s Bumper Sticker of the Week
WORD SEARCH
SUDOKU PUZZLES
Classified Ads
FOR SALE
► Golden Retriever/Border Collie mix puppies for sale: Ready for a new home just in time for Valentine's Day. Will have 1st shots & vet visit, rehoming fee to help cover expenses. Contact Kaylee Perron for details 208-670-0748.
► Had to buy a new refrigerator so have 5 FMM-1 Single HDX Refrigerator Filters for sale. Paid 25.00 each, will sell for 20/each or all 5 for $100. Contact Patty at 208/539-4378. ► 3 year old Savanah buck. Proven sire with offspring on site. I need to move on because he’s related to everyone $250. 8 of his wethers are also for sale. They are 8 months old. $150.00 each. Call (530) 925-2179
SERVICES
► Old Glory Firewood Home Care & Craftsman contruction. Call 208-450-9411
► PATCHING Levi, coveralls, etc. Repair broken zippers in anything: jackets, bags, pants, etc. Hemming: pants, dresses, coveralls, etc. - Kathy. I am back to sewing full time. I am not dieing and I'm not retiring. Drop Off at 380 East Salmon Street in Hagerman, or Julie’s Ace Hardware in Gooding. 208-837-6267
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Courier NEWS
P.O. Box 339 - Fairfield, Idaho 83327
Gooding Customers can drop off checks and/or news articles at: 122 5th Ave W. in Gooding
Send News & Articles to: News@Highway46.org or call 208-246-9999
at the Billingsley Creek Barn in Hagerman (1/2 mile north of Hagerman on Highway 30) Antiques, Collectables, Handmade items, Jewelry, and Books. Homemade Cakes, Pies, Fresh Eggs, and Bread Breakfast & Lunch at our Grill
Friday thru Sunday 9 to 5
