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https://www.idahopress.com/blueturfsports/other/boise-state-softball-reaches-back-to-blue-collar-roots-to-generate-wins/article_2a24b1c9-8c2f-565f-ac23-6c1376defda5.html | BOISE — When Justin Shults was hired as Boise State’s softball coach in June, he looked at a program just a couple years removed from a NCAA Tournament appearance and saw a team that had the potential to get back there, despite coming off a 20-25 season.
Knowing the affinity for a blue-collar mentality that exists in several Boise State athletic programs, Shults not only leaned into the mentality, he took a hard left turn into it. The Broncos have five different practice jerseys available. Players had to earn every one of them.
“We wanted to remind them of what the roots of Boise State are, it's a blue-collar mentality,” said Shults.
With that mentality, Boise State has charged its way back to the top of the Mountain West standings and has even earned some national recognition along the way. The Broncos (27-5, 6-0 Mountain West) were ranked in two Top 25 polls this week, earning a No. 23 ranking in Extra Inning Softball’s poll — the highest ranking in program history — and was ranked No. 25 by D1Softball.com. The Broncos will take a 10-game winning streak into a three-game home series this weekend against UNLV (24-6, 2-1), which begins at 4 p.m. Friday at Dona Larsen Park.
“We’ve prided ourselves in our blue-collar work ethic and how everything is earned, we don’t get anything handed to us,” said sophomore pitcher Taylor Caudill, who boasts an 11-3 record with a 2.57 ERA and 99 strikeouts. “We’re putting so much into our preparation and it’s showing on the field. We worked so hard in the fall and the preseason, we’re just ready. I think it’s even better that we’re getting recognized for it. While it’s nice to get all this press, this was the expectations for ourselves, this is the standard that we set at the beginning of the season.”
During the fall and winter, players were able to earn their practice jerseys in a number of ways, both on and off the softball field. One jersey was earned by going on 10 coffee dates with teammates. Players would have to send a photo from the coffee shop to coaches. Other jerseys were earned by getting nominated by a teammate or a coach for various reasons. Each week the team would take all the nominations and select two jerseys to be given out.
And then, there was the toughest jersey to earn: The one given out at weekly workouts this fall, which were dubbed ‘Championship Friday.’
Championship Friday included intense cardio and cross fit workouts and also included game scenario training to help players with in-game decision making. It was designed to challenge the players both mentally and physically.
“It was tough for us, we had a rough first go at it,” said sophomore outfielder Jordyn Hutchins, who is batting .324 with seven home runs and 28 RBIs. “It kind of helped us realize it’s not just about the physical piece of softball, there’s much more to it. I think that was the biggest turning point for us, as far as connecting as a team. The energy on Championship Friday, after that first one, was incredible. We were all pushing each other, yelling, encouraging each other. It was a cool thing to see.”
For NCAA Division I scholarship players, especially those already established with a team, the prospect of having to earn back jerseys can seem like a daunting prospect, players admitted. But this process was also something that they were looking for and felt they needed after falling under .500 a season ago.
“I think initially it was a little hard because we were like ‘we’ve already earned our spot here,’” said Caudill. “But a spot is just a spot unless you work for it. The shirts proved that you need to put in the sweat, blood and tears and say ‘OK, I’m going to get this right now.' Nothing is truly earned until you’ve proven to everyone, especially your teammates and yourself, that you deserve it.”
The payoff was apparent as soon as the season started. The Broncos started the season with five games in Southern California, winning all five. The fifth win was a 7-3 victory against Stanford, which was an NCAA Tournament team last season.
There’s been no slowing down the Broncos since.
“There are a lot of unknowns when you have a new staff come in, and then they take all your gear away,” said Shults, who spent three seasons as an assistant at Oregon before coming to Boise State. “I think they were a little apprehensive, at first. But this group has been amazing all year, they’re very close-knit and they were understanding of what the process was. I was fortunate enough to get coffee with some of the upperclassmen before we started and explained my vision. They were onboard and that helped ease the transition.”
There is still a month and a half left to go in the season, so still a lot the Broncos need to do to accomplish their big goals, specifically a Mountain West title and NCAA Tournament bid. Boise State knows that those goals can’t be accomplished all at once, they just have to stick with what they’ve been doing and continue to build on the foundation that has been established.
“(Tuesday) we had a team meeting and one of the things we talked about is that even though there’s a lot of media attention and a little distraction from our success from the outside, we just got to stay focused on what we’re doing and continue to roll with that,” said Hutchins. “We got to just stick to our blue-collar mentality and just stay focused.” | true | true | both | www.idahopress | 20220401 |
https://www.idahopress.com/eyeonboise/house-gop-leaders-gov-little-praise-results-of-just-completed-legislative-session/article_ce302a40-8bef-58e1-b95b-3e1e2331d94e.html | House GOP leaders, in a post-session press conference this afternoon, gave the just-completed 81-day legislative session high marks, as did GOP Gov. Brad Little, who said in a press release, “In all my years, I have never seen a more successful legislative session that produced so many positive results for the people we serve.”
House Speaker Scott Bedke, R-Oakley, said, “I think we did some great stuff this year. … I think that we’ll look back on this year as the year that we, for the second year in a row, cut taxes at a historic level … we made an unprecedented level of investment back into our infrastructure both on the roads and bridges but also in the water infrastructure … also into our state buildings. … we took a huge chunk out of the deferred maintenance.”
“I think when we look back 10 years from now, that one of the best things we did this year was to bring our teachers up to parity with the other state employees, with regard to health insurance,” he said.
Responding to questions from reporters, he said, “There’s a couple things that I think we left on the table that we could have accomplished but we didn’t. And nine months from now, we’ll have a perfectly good legislative session with a brand new Legislature, and they will be able to pick up where we left off. I think that’s the beauty of our system, and it works pretty well.”
On the House’s decision not to try to override any of the governor’s vetoes in the past week, Bedke said, “I think most were resigned. I think they can count, and they can do the math. … The votes were not there.”
Asked whether he’ll, as requested by Idaho Supreme Court Chief Justice Richard Bevan, appoint House members to a broad-based study committee the courts are convening to study judicial selection and recruitment, Bedke demurred, saying, “We haven’t talked about that yet. … I don’t think that the citizens of the state are well-served when all three branches do a working group. The legislative branch are the policy-setters, the lawmakers,” he said. “And the other two branches have their distinct and separate roles. I think the more bright that line, the better our system works.”
Asked how that squares with Idaho’s recent widely praised three-branch efforts on behavioral health, and before that on criminal justice reinvestment, Bedke said, “This speaker is reluctant to do a three-branch interim committee.”
The House today agreed by unanimous consent not to override Gov. Brad Little’s veto of HB 782, the last-minute bill that paired small raises for judges with major changes in the Idaho Judicial Council and the judge selection process. There was still a bill pending on the Senate’s calendar to just grant small raises to Idaho judges next year; lawmakers already have approved raises for every other class of state employee, with most employees getting roughly 7% raises, including 3% across the board and an average of $1.25 per hour in merit increases.
House Majority Caucus Chair Megan Blanksma, R-Hammett, and Majority Leader Mike Moyle, R-Star, said the House approved raises for judges – in HB 782 – and blamed the governor’s veto for the fact that judges are now the only class of state employees not set for raises next year, in the midst of a judicial recruitment crisis.
Bedke said next year’s Legislature can consider that when it convenes in January of 2023. “We’re going to have a perfectly good legislative session here in nine months and we’ll correct that,” he said. “I’m assuming that the Legislature will correct that.”
Little, in a transmittal letter today on HB 800, the budget bill for the courts for next year, expressed concern over that. “This year I proposed, and the Legislature appropriated, a historic CEC,” Little wrote, referring to Change in Employee Compensation, legis-speak for raises for state employees. “Given the tight labor market and record inflation under President Joe Biden, this salary adjustment will be critical to recruiting and retaining top talent for state agencies. The judicial branch is no different. Recruiting and retaining high-quality judges serves Idaho well. Tying judicial salaries to HB 782 is unfortunate, and our judges deserve the courtesy of having their salaries considered separately from complex policy changes. I sign this appropriation bill in the hopes that judicial salaries are remedied early in the 2023 legislative session.”
The GOP leaders also were asked about the failure of this year’s Legislature to enact major property tax relief. “We did some things for property tax this year,” Moyle said. He pointed to the public defense bill, which will provide an estimated $34 million in county property tax relief a year for the next two years at state expense, as part of a shift in public defense funding responsibility from counties to the state. Also, he said, “We did the bill that says you can’t have more than one homeowner’s exemption. That will parlay into property tax relief.” He also cited the measure permitting Idaho cities to grant property tax relief to needy seniors who qualify for the circuit breaker, at city expense, a law that was hailed by Boise Mayor Lauren McLean as something the city has long wanted to do.
“We did do several things on the edges on property tax,” Moyle said. “There’s going to be more to do. The big one that I would prefer, when we take it off of everybody, and move the sales tax up a little bit, if I'm re-elected we’ll push that further.”
Here’s Little’s full press release on the end of the legislative session:
Gov. Little celebrates historic legislative successes
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little is celebrating historic successes as the Idaho Legislature officially adjourned sine die today, ending the 2022 legislative session for the year.
“In all my years, I have never seen a more successful legislative session that produced so many positive results for the people we serve. We achieved what I never thought we could – ‘the trifecta’ – which is record tax relief, record education investments, and record transportation investments in one year.
“With our second year of a record budget surplus – achieved through a red-hot economy and years of fiscal conservatism – we were able to provide Idahoans with historic tax relief and unprecedented investments in schools, roads, water, and other important areas to improve Idahoans’ quality of life and keep up with growth.
“Effective leadership is about giving people confidence by staying focused and getting things done, listening, showing the way through humble strength, and embracing a spirit of service. I appreciate so many of my legislative partners for demonstrating these qualities this session and for moving forward so quickly in passing my ‘Leading Idaho’ plan. Together we will continue to do great things for the people of Idaho!” Governor Little said.
Achievements from the Governor’s “Leading Idaho” plan this session include:
RECORD EDUCATION INVESTMENTS – K-12 funding will increase by $300 million, the single largest increase in state history, with a 12.5-percent increase over FY22. Funding for literacy (the Governor’s top education priority) has increased five-fold since Governor Little took office after the state added an additional $47 million ongoing investment. We’re empowering parents with new grants that help families take charge of education expenses for their children, and we’ve strengthened our ability to recruit and retain quality teachers by giving them up to 10-percent pay increases plus bonuses along with opportunities for better and more affordable health insurance. The Governor’s plan also makes key investments in career and workforce training.
HISTORIC TAX RELIEF – Since Governor Little took office, Idahoans already have benefitted from $1 billion in tax relief on income taxes, property taxes, and unemployment insurance taxes, and Idahoans will receive an additional $1.5 billion in tax relief over the next five years, shattering the record for tax relief established last year. It includes one-time, immediate income tax relief to help Idahoans facing soaring inflation as well as ongoing income tax relief. Businesses will save $64 million over the next two years and Idahoans will also benefit from more than $34 million in property tax relief.
RECORD TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENTS – Last year, Governor Little championed historic investments in transportation without raising taxes or fees, and this year the Legislature approved his plan to add $200 million for local bridges as well as $200 million ongoing to help eliminate the backlog of transportation maintenance needs – once again without raising taxes or fees – to self-sustain our transportation system over the long term without relying on the whims of Congress.
CONSERVATIVE BUDGETING – Through conservative budgeting and economic growth, Idaho achieved a AAA credit rating for the first time ever in 2021, and the Governor’s plan continues the path of fiscal conservatism by paying off state building debt, clearing out the state building deferred maintenance backlog, boosting rainy day funds to historic levels, and leaving a larger-than-usual budget surplus.
PUBLIC SAFETY – The Governor’s plan promotes safe communities by making new investments in the Idaho State Police and “Operation Esto Perpetua,” the Governor’s new initiative to fight Idaho’s growing drug threat. His plan invests in a new prison as well as proven strategies to reduce crime and decrease the revolving door back into prison. In addition, we doubled scholarships for members of the National Guard.
STRENGTHENING RURAL IDAHO – The enacted budget makes the biggest investment ever in water quality and water quantity to support a thriving agriculture and outdoor sector. The Governor’s plan makes new investments to combat wildfire and enhance outdoor recreation, and continues upgrade broadband infrastructure across the state.
HEALTHY IDAHO – The Governor’s plan addresses long-standing public health challenges, including behavioral health and healthcare capacity. His plan makes new investments to promote the health and wellbeing of our veterans and seniors.
ELECTION INTEGRITY – Added investments in cybersecurity and proactive integrity audits boost transparency and security and ensure Idahoans have the confidence their vote counts.
A complete summary of the FY23 budget highlights from the Governor’s Leading Idaho plan can be found here: https://gov.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/fy23-budget-activity-summary.pdf. | true | true | both | www.idahopress | 20220401 |
https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/treefort-music-festival-attended-by-more-than-25-000/article_e165536d-382e-5af6-8ae4-fc6b3b909bee.html | Country
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https://www.idahopress.com/blueturfsports/boise-state-has-record-score-but-sees-season-end/article_c9290e9c-85e4-5a2e-9259-ced14efe4ad6.html | Boise State gymnastics, ranked No. 24 nationally, posted its highest score at an NCAA regional competition in program history Friday, but finished fourth in its second round session at the 2022 Women's Gymnastics Regional Championships in Norman, Oklahoma.
In their 14th straight regional appearance, the Broncos scored 196.425, finishing behind No. 8 Minnesota (197.825), No. 9 California (197.375) and No. 25 Utah State (196.825). In 2011, Boise State scored 196.400 which stood as the highest score at a regional prior to this afternoon.
"What a great meet," said Boise State coach Tina Bird. "I'm so proud of the team. They went out there and attacked each event with great success. For us to make Bronco history with two record scores in a regional meet is beyond exciting. Hats off to our six amazing seniors. What a great last meet they had."
Boise State opened the meet on bars, its strongest event all season long. All six Broncos notched 9.800 or better for a team score of 49.225 in the event. The pair of Emilys led the way for Boise State, with Lopez scoring 9.875 and Muhlenhaupt sticking a 9.900. This was just the second meet this season in which the Broncos scored just one 9.900 or better in the event.
In the second rotation, the Broncos put together the best beam performance at a regional meet in program history, scoring 49.150. Alexis Stokes and Talia Little each tied their career high as they scored back-to-back 9.850s to start the rotation. Lopez and Adriana Popp chipped in a pair of 9.825s to lead Boise State.
Hope Masiado led off the third rotation on floor with a 9.850, but a low score left the Broncos in need of some help with two competitors remaining. Courtney Blackson and Adriana Popp came up huge for Boise State, scoring 9.900 and 9.850, respectively, to lead Boise State to a 49.150 and enter the final rotation just outside of a qualifying spot.
In the final rotation, Boise State scored 48.900 on vault to close out the meet. Lopez, Blackson and Alyssa Vulaj each scored 9.800 to lead the way for the Broncos.
"Emily Lopez delivered again with three beautiful routines," said Bird. "Courtney Blackson really showed how much she can deliver with three hit routines and our highest floor score of the day."
Boise State now waits for results of tonight's second session and Saturday's regional championships to learn if any individuals have qualified for the national championships. | true | true | both | www.idahopress | 20220401 |
https://www.idahopress.com/blueturfsports/thanks-to-large-donation-boise-state-to-install-mountain-wests-biggest-scoreboard/article_0d91419e-0f37-5a01-b574-bd0aed3ded31.html | In what Boise State Athletic Director Jeramiah Dickey called the “most impactful enhancement at Albertsons Stadium in more than a decade,” the Broncos’ intend to install the largest video board in the Mountain West.
Melaleuca, a health products manufacturer based in Idaho Falls, will donate $4.5 million — the largest one-time facility gift in the history of BSU athletics — to fund the 6,000-square-foot scoreboard.
The 120-foot by 50-foot LED screen will replace the minuscule scoreboard that currently sits in the south end zone. When completed, the screen will be just outside the top 10 biggest in college football, and nearly 1,800 square feet larger than No. 2 in the conference.
And while a vendor still hasn’t been selected, Boise State noted the jumbotron should be completed during the 2022 season.
“It signifies the impact our program has on our state,” Dickey said, “and we couldn’t be more appreciative that an Idaho company is investing back into Idaho’s flagship collegiate football program.”
Added Boise State President Marlene Tromp: “It also will enhance the experience at all events held in the stadium, including our spring commencement ceremonies, student movie nights, concerts and more. This is a gift that will impact our entire community.”
The donation highlights the fundraising strides Boise State has made since Dickey took over 15 months ago.
Melaleuca was the 134th member of the Lyle Smith Society — a designation of those who have donated over $25,000 — which has now raised over $17 million in under two years.
“We provide an opportunity to the ‘little guy’ who has been overlooked,” said Melaleuca President Cole Clinger, a 2004 Boise State graduate. “And we have found that when they get that opportunity, the ‘little guy’ can go toe to toe with anyone out there. So is the case with Boise State.”
Dickey has not been shy about his desire for Boise State to join a power conference in the future. He also has not been shy about the reality: “We will relentlessly continue to control what we can control,” he said in July. The Broncos are very much in a wait-and-see mode, hoping first the Big 12 will and, secondly, it’ll make a call to Boise State.
But the Broncos have made every effort to be ready if their line rings. Dickey has preached, ad nauseam, the mantra “Everything counts. Everything matters.”
In other words: When considering expansion, power conferences aren’t just looking at the past season’s football record. It’ll be based on myriad factors.
If scoreboard size is part of the equation, Boise State no longer has a concern. | true | true | both | www.idahopress | 20220401 |
https://www.idahopress.com/eyeonboise/ban-on-business-vax-mandates-fails-as-lawmakers-wrap-up-session-link-to-our-full/article_6335ce4d-e1d3-5678-a9c8-c2649439f3c7.html | Idaho lawmakers on Thursday failed to override any of GOP Gov. Brad Little’s vetoes, including his veto of the only bill they passed this year to address business vaccine requirements after considering numerous other proposals; legislators then adjourned their session for the year.
GOP Gov. Brad Little vetoed SB 1381, the “Coronavirus Pause Act,” on Monday; it sought to impose a one-year ban on businesses, venues or employers in Idaho requiring coronavirus vaccines. Little said the bill “significantly expands government overreach into the private sector.” Several large Idaho businesses vociferously opposed it.
The Senate had earlier passed the bill by more than a two-thirds margin, suggesting it could override the governor’s veto, but when it tried on Thursday, the vote fell short, coming in 21-14, compared to the original vote to pass the bill of 24-11. Three GOP senators switched from “yes” to “no,” Sens. Van Burtenshaw, R-Terreton; Lee Heider, R-Twin Falls; and Jim Patrick, R-Twin Falls. It's not uncommon for senators to switch their votes on an override to support a governor from their own party.
Sen. Todd Lakey, R-Nampa, was the only one to debate; he spoke in favor of overriding the veto. “Senators, as you know, we put a lot of work into this bill to try to find the appropriate balance,” he said. Lakey said the bill “prohibits discrimination based on that (vaccine) status,” but also recognizes and reasonable needs of businesses.
The only exceptions allowed in SB 1381 were for health care workers subject to federal law, existing contractual arrangements, and employees who are required to travel out of state or enter specific work areas where vaccines are required. Violations would have been misdemeanors punishable by $1,000 fines.
Meanwhile, in the House, Rep. Ben Adams, R-Nampa, the House sponsor of SB 1381, gave a scathing speech suggesting that anyone who opposed the bill didn't deserve to be reelected.
You can read our full story here at idahopress.com (subscription required), or pick up Friday's edition of the Idaho Press; it'll be on the front page.
Betsy Z. Russell is the Boise bureau chief and state capitol reporter for the Idaho Press and Adams Publishing Group. Follow her on Twitter at @BetsyZRussell. | true | true | both | www.idahopress | 20220401 |
https://www.idahopress.com/eyeonboise/legislature-leaves-judges-as-only-state-employees-not-due-for-raises-next-year-link-to/article_91c0ddb2-e472-59b0-b865-8a0837a5782a.html | While opting not to try to override the governor’s veto of controversial legislation changing the Idaho Judicial Council and Idaho’s judge-selection process over objections from the courts, lawmakers ended their session Thursday with a final slap at the courts by not approving any raises for judges next year.
That makes judges the only class of state employees who won’t get raises; most state employees are getting up to 7%. The move comes despite a crisis in judicial recruitment, on which lawmakers were briefed repeatedly this year.
“There’s a couple things that I think we left on the table that we could have accomplished but we didn’t,” said House Speaker Scott Bedke, R-Oakley, after the session adjourned Thursday afternoon. “And nine months from now, we’ll have a perfectly good legislative session with a brand-new Legislature, and they will be able to pick up where we left off. I think that’s the beauty of our system, and it works pretty well.”
HB 782, the last-minute bill that paired small raises for judges with major changes in the Idaho Judicial Council and the judge selection process, was vetoed by Gov. Brad Little on Wednesday. Its changes included expanding the council from seven to 11 members and having the governor appoint 10 of the 11; he currently appoints three of the seven. It also would have allowed the governor to reject a slate of nominees from the council for a judge opening and demand an all-new one with no repeats.
Little, in his veto message, wrote, “My office stands ready to support future efforts to modernize and improve the process by which Idaho fills judicial vacancies. I encourage my friends in the judicial and legislative branches to collaborate and identify areas of compromise that will increase transparency, preserve impartiality, and improve judicial recruitment.”
Betsy Z. Russell is the Boise bureau chief and state capitol reporter for the Idaho Press and Adams Publishing Group. Follow her on Twitter at @BetsyZRussell. | true | true | both | www.idahopress | 20220401 |
https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/ban-on-business-vax-mandates-fails-as-lawmakers-wrap-up-session/article_00e146b9-6180-5b9c-94c9-0488a863e0e6.html | BOISE — Idaho lawmakers on Thursday failed to override any of GOP Gov. Brad Little’s vetoes, including his veto of the only bill they passed this year to address business vaccine requirements after considering numerous other proposals; legislators then adjourned their session for the year.
GOP Gov. Brad Little vetoed SB 1381, the “Coronavirus Pause Act,” on Monday; it sought to impose a one-year ban on businesses, venues or employers in Idaho requiring coronavirus vaccines. Little said the bill “significantly expands government overreach into the private sector.” Several large Idaho businesses vociferously opposed it.
The Senate had earlier passed the bill by more than a two-thirds margin, suggesting it could override the governor’s veto, but when it tried on Thursday, the vote fell short, coming in 21-14, compared to the original vote to pass the bill of 24-11. Three GOP senators switched from “yes” to “no,” Sens. Van Burtenshaw, R-Terreton; Lee Heider, R-Twin Falls; and Jim Patrick, R-Twin Falls. It's not uncommon for senators to switch their votes on an override to support a governor from their own party.
Sen. Todd Lakey, R-Nampa, was the only one to debate; he spoke in favor of overriding the veto. “Senators, as you know, we put a lot of work into this bill to try to find the appropriate balance,” he said. Lakey said the bill “prohibits discrimination based on that (vaccine) status,” but also recognizes and reasonable needs of businesses.
The only exceptions allowed in SB 1381 were for health care workers subject to federal law, existing contractual arrangements, and employees who are required to travel out of state or enter specific work areas where vaccines are required. Violations would have been misdemeanors punishable by $1,000 fines.
Meanwhile, in the House, Rep. Ben Adams, R-Nampa, the House sponsor of SB 1381, gave a scathing speech suggesting that anyone who opposed the bill didn't deserve to be reelected.
“As many of you probably know, the Senate was unable to override the veto of the governor,” Adams told the House. “We talk about having the lightest touch of government, but why are we here if there’s no touch? If we wanted no touch of government, no government involvement in the private sector, then I would make the case that we should go back to 1920s industrialism where you could work people to death. You know, they created unions because of that. We’re a right-to-work state. That puts a higher level of responsibility on us to protect the workers’ rights.”
He decried “discrimination” against the unvaccinated, saying, “Discrimination doesn’t have any place in Idaho.”
“In the Book of Revelations it talks about people who are neither hot nor cold, they are lukewarm,” Adams said. He equated those who are “lukewarm” with “people who didn't support individual rights of people over big corporations,” and said those people should be treated “like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, that they spit you out.” Asked later by the Idaho Press what he meant by that, he said he meant those who didn’t support the bill shouldn’t be reelected.
“If people in this body who are elected by the people of Idaho won't stand up for them against big corporations when it comes to discrimination, they have no business being here,” Adams declared. “We all got elected to protect people's rights. That's the fundamental purpose of government.”
Numerous bills have been introduced by GOP lawmakers this year to outlaw vaccine mandates from private businesses. Among them: The House earlier passed HB 581, sponsored by Rep. Charlie Shepherd, R-Pollock, to make it a crime for any employer, even of just a single in-home caregiver, to inquire about an employee’s vaccine status.
Shepherd supported the Coronavirus Pause Act, which was proposed by Senate President Pro Tem Chuck Winder, R-Boise, calling it a “compromise.”
In his veto message, Little wrote, “I have been consistent in stating my belief that businesses should be left to make decisions about the management of their operations and employees with limited interference from government. For the same reason, I sued to stop President Joe Biden’s vaccine mandates three times.”
It takes a two-thirds vote to override a veto. Even if the Senate had succeeded in overriding the veto of SB 1381, there’s no guarantee the House would have followed suit, as it passed the bill on March 18 on a 45-23 vote, which is 64.3%, short of the required two-thirds.
The House also declined, by unanimous consent, to try to override two other gubernatorial vetoes, of HB 782, a controversial proposal to change the Idaho Judicial Council and judge-selection process; and HB 723, on enrollment-based calculations for school funding.
Idaho’s legislative session this year clocked in at 81 days, a big contrast to last year’s record-long session that ran for an unprecedented 311 days.
House Speaker Scott Bedke, R-Oakley, said, “I think we did some great stuff this year.” He cited historic income tax cuts, infrastructure investments, and education improvements, including a major upgrade in health insurance coverage for Idaho teachers.
House Majority Leader Mike Moyle, R-Star, said, “We did do several things on the edges on property tax. There’s going to be more to do. The big one that I would prefer, when we take it off of everybody, and move the sales tax up a little bit, if I'm re-elected we’ll push that further.”
Every seat in the Legislature is on the ballot this year, in the May 17 primary and the November general election.
Little, in a statement Friday, said, “In all my years, I have never seen a more successful legislative session that produced so many positive results for the people we serve. We achieved what I never thought we could – ‘the trifecta’ – which is record tax relief, record education investments, and record transportation investments in one year.”
Rep. Brent Crane, R-Nampa, said he’d give this year’s session a “B-minus, C-plus.” He praised the passage of the income tax cut and SB 1309, the Texas-style abortion lawsuits law that’s already been challenged in court, while bemoaning the failure of the Senate to take up House-passed bills on everything from criminalizing librarians if minors check out “harmful” materials to outlawing mask mandates.
“We left a lot of issues on the table that we said we were going to deal with,” Crane said. | true | true | both | www.idahopress | 20220401 |
https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/legislature-leaves-judges-as-only-state-employees-not-due-for-raises-next-year/article_de3f99ac-bf71-5dd4-8ae2-5014f567f6fa.html | BOISE — While opting not to try to override the governor’s veto of controversial legislation changing the Idaho Judicial Council and Idaho’s judge-selection process over objections from the courts, lawmakers ended their session Thursday with a final slap at the courts by not approving any raises for judges next year.
That makes judges the only class of state employees who won’t get raises; most state employees are getting up to 7%. The move comes despite a crisis in judicial recruitment, on which lawmakers were briefed repeatedly this year.
“There’s a couple things that I think we left on the table that we could have accomplished but we didn’t,” said House Speaker Scott Bedke, R-Oakley, after the session adjourned Thursday afternoon. “And nine months from now, we’ll have a perfectly good legislative session with a brand-new Legislature, and they will be able to pick up where we left off. I think that’s the beauty of our system, and it works pretty well.”
HB 782, the last-minute bill that paired small raises for judges with major changes in the Idaho Judicial Council and the judge selection process, was vetoed by Gov. Brad Little on Wednesday. Its changes included expanding the council from seven to 11 members and having the governor appoint 10 of the 11; he currently appoints three of the seven. It also would have allowed the governor to reject a slate of nominees from the council for a judge opening and demand an all-new one with no repeats.
Little, in his veto message, wrote, “My office stands ready to support future efforts to modernize and improve the process by which Idaho fills judicial vacancies. I encourage my friends in the judicial and legislative branches to collaborate and identify areas of compromise that will increase transparency, preserve impartiality, and improve judicial recruitment.”
On Feb. 28, Idaho Supreme Court Chief Justice Richard Bevan invited legislators to join a broad-based committee to study and make recommendations on judicial selection and recruitment, to include lawmakers, judges, attorneys and members of the public.
Bedke, when asked Thursday whether he’ll appoint House members to the court’s committee, demurred, saying, “We haven’t talked about that yet. … I don’t think that the citizens of the state are well-served when all three branches do a working group. The legislative branch are the policy-setters, the lawmakers,” he said. “And the other two branches have their distinct and separate roles. I think the more bright that line, the better our system works.”
Asked how that squares with Idaho’s recent widely praised three-branch efforts on behavioral health, and before that on criminal justice reinvestment, Bedke said, “This speaker is reluctant to do a three-branch interim committee.”
House Majority Caucus Chair Megan Blanksma, R-Hammett, and Majority Leader Mike Moyle, R-Star, said the House approved raises for judges — in HB 782 — and blamed the governor’s veto for the fact that judges are now the only class of state employees not set for raises next year.
Bedke said next year’s Legislature can consider that when it convenes in January of 2023. “I’m assuming that the Legislature will correct that,” he said.
Little, in a transmittal letter sent to lawmakers Thursday regarding HB 800, the budget bill for the courts for next year, expressed concern over that.
“This year I proposed, and the Legislature appropriated, a historic CEC,” Little wrote, referring to Change in Employee Compensation, the official state term for raises lawmakers consider each year for state employees. “Given the tight labor market and record inflation under President Joe Biden, this salary adjustment will be critical to recruiting and retaining top talent for state agencies. The judicial branch is no different.”
“Recruiting and retaining high-quality judges serves Idaho well,” the governor wrote. “Tying judicial salaries to HB 782 is unfortunate, and our judges deserve the courtesy of having their salaries considered separately from complex policy changes. I sign this appropriation bill in the hopes that judicial salaries are remedied early in the 2023 legislative session.”
The Senate still had a separate bill just granting raises to judges next year pending on its calendar, but didn’t take that up on Thursday.
Some lawmakers were angry at the courts this year because of the Idaho Supreme Court’s ruling last year invalidating an unconstitutional anti-initiative law that lawmakers passed, and because the court rejected challenges to a new legislative redistricting plan that is forcing some sitting lawmakers to face off in the primary. Others were upset that former longtime Senate Majority Leader Bart Davis wasn’t appointed to the Idaho Supreme Court last spring, when the council submitted an all-female list of three nominees to the governor. He appointed current Justice Colleen Zahn.
On Thursday, former Idaho Supreme Court Chief Justice Jim Jones sent a letter to legislative leaders and key committee chairs, writing, “Provided that both houses do not override the governor's veto of HB 782, there will be need for the Legislature to approve a judicial pay raise. Otherwise, judges will be the only state employees to be denied a pay raise. It would certainly exacerbate the recruitment problems that have plagued the state in recent years for positions on the District Court bench. Since it was thought appropriate to raise the pay of most state employees the equivalent of 7% to keep up with inflation, a similar across-the-board increase should apply for all judges.”
Rep. Brent Crane, R-Nampa, chair of the House State Affairs Committee, responded, “The House and the Senate both passed HB 782 which included a pay raise for the judges. However, Gov. Little is the one who decided to veto the bill. Maybe Gov. Little will call a special session to get the judges a pay raise this year.”
Nate Poppino, court communications manager for the Idaho Supreme Court, said late Thursday, "The court will continue its effort to work with policy makers to address the concerns that have been raised over the past few months and seek appropriate solutions to issues facing the judiciary." | true | true | both | www.idahopress | 20220401 |
https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/wanted-man-on-loose-after-chase-that-ended-in-meridian-neighborhood/article_e58c450f-49d3-5c58-b1d7-f60c5b2675fc.html | MERIDIAN, Idaho — Meridian police are asking the public to be on the lookout for a wanted man, still at large after a search that led to lockdowns at two schools Thursday.
Cody Rose, 30, and his passenger, Marissa Riley, 40, were involved in a police chase that started just after 11 a.m. on state Highway 44 in Canyon County, the Meridian Police Department said.
Rose is considered armed and dangerous. His car is described as a black spray-painted late-1990s Chevrolet Tahoe with a maroon hood, a broken rear window and a "1P" Payette County, Idaho, license plate. Meridian police ask anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact the department at 208-846-7300.
After the chase Thursday morning ended at the Ada-Canyon county line, Rose and Riley were believed to have gone into the Paramount subdivision near Chinden Boulevard and Linder Road. Meridian police set up a perimeter in an effort to contain the suspects, and announced lockdowns at Paramount Elementary School and Rocky Mountain High School as a precaution. Those lockdowns were later downgraded to hall checks. The precautionary measures at the schools were lifted after police determined Rose and Riley had fled the area.
Meridian police also said rumors that there was an active shooter in the area were false.
Police later located Riley and took her into custody as she was trying to catch a ride out of the area via Uber. Riley is being held on a parole warrant and suspicion of misdemeanor drug possession. | true | true | both | www.idahopress | 20220401 |
https://www.idahopress.com/blueturfsports/marcus-shaver-jr-announces-hell-test-draft-waters-leaves-door-open-to-return/article_f769bd41-02da-5d9a-a95b-ba7d8847b643.html | Shaver or “Big Shot Shav” or Mr. Clutch or whatever you want to call him was a miracle worker this season, nailing what felt like a million game-winning or go-ahead 3-pointers. When there was no hope, Shaver and his pretty shot manufactured some.
The Boise State guard oozed confidence, which helps explain his decision on Thursday.
Shaver announced he will declare for the NBA Draft, which still leaves the door open for the 6-foot-2, 185-pound senior to return to Boise for his final season of eligibility.
“Thank you for all this incredible and unforgettable journey,” Shaver wrote on Twitter. “I have learned what it truly takes to chase my dream of playing at the highest level. But more importantly, I have learned what it takes to help my team win.”
Under new NCAA rules, Shaver will be able to seek an evaluation from the NBA Undergraduate Advisory Committee, hire an agent and meet with NBA teams without penalty. If he wishes to return as a Bronco, Shaver must withdraw his name before June 2.
Still to make a decision regarding their future are guard Emmanuel Akot and forward Mladen Armus, two starters who could return with Shaver to a roster that may only lose leading scorer Abu Kigab.
In helping Boise State to an outright Mountain West title, a conference tournament championship and a berth in the NCAA Tournament, Shaver — a Portland transfer — started in every game but the season-opener, averaging 13.3 points while shooting over 40%.
Battling with injuries and illness, Shaver struggled towards the end of the season. In the Broncos’ four-game postseason — which culminated with a March Madness loss to Memphis — Shaver combined for 34 points on just 7-of-39 shooting (18%), missing all but one of his 14 attempts from beyond the arc.
Still, his veteran presence and playmaking ability would be welcomed back next season with open arms.
“Thank you to the coaches, staff and the athletic department for the countless hours of preparation and belief in me,” Shaver said. “I will always carry that winning mentality everywhere I go. Rest at the end, not in the middle.
“Bronco fans, you always brought unmatched energy. I am forever grateful and will always bleed blue.” | true | true | both | www.idahopress | 20220401 |
https://www.idahopress.com/sports/local-roundup-grizzlies-top-meridian-in-softball/article_1858c88f-fca0-56b1-9785-f9d2510af916.html | featured top story LOCAL ROUNDUP LOCAL ROUNDUP: Grizzlies top Meridian in softball By IDAHO PRESS STAFF sports@idahopress.com Mar 31, 2022 Mar 31, 2022 Updated 50 min ago Comments Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Support Local Journalism If you value these stories, please consider subscribing. Subscribe Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Save Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Save The Rocky Mountain softball team didn’t waste any time getting started Thursday.The Grizzlies struck for five runs in the first inning, cruising to a 19-9 run-rule win over Meridian in a 5A Southern Idaho Conference game.Timber Samders went 4 for 4 with five RBI and Jasmin Davis was 3 for 4 with five RBI to lead the Grizzlies.EAGLE 10, BOISE 0, 5 INNINGS: Six runs in the third inning propelled the Mustangs to the run-shortened 5A SIC win. Sydney Groves led Eagle with three RBI.BASEBALLHOMEDALE 11, NEW PLYMOUTH 1, 5 INNINGS: Dillon Fine knocked in three runs to lead the Trojans past the Pilgrims in a nonleague game.John Lejardi picked up the win, going five innings and striking out seven. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Save Tags Grizzly Meridian Run Baseball Sport Inning Softball Win Team Recommended for you Load comments | true | true | both | www.idahopress | 20220401 |
https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/man-captured-after-chase-that-ended-in-meridian-neighborhood/article_e58c450f-49d3-5c58-b1d7-f60c5b2675fc.html | MERIDIAN — A man is in custody after a search that led to lockdowns at two schools Thursday.
Cody Rose, 30, and his passenger, Marissa Riley, 40, were involved in a police chase that started just after 11 a.m. on state Highway 44 in Canyon County, the Meridian Police Department said.
After the chase Thursday morning ended at the Ada-Canyon county line, Rose and Riley were believed to have gone into the Paramount subdivision near Chinden Boulevard and Linder Road. Meridian police set up a perimeter in an effort to contain the suspects, and announced lockdowns at Paramount Elementary School and Rocky Mountain High School as a precaution. Those lockdowns were later downgraded to hall checks. The precautionary measures at the schools were lifted after police determined Rose and Riley had fled the area.
Meridian police also said rumors that there was an active shooter in the area were false.
Police later located Riley and took her into custody as she was trying to catch a ride out of the area via Uber. Riley is being held on a parole warrant and suspicion of misdemeanor drug possession.
Rose, who police had warned should be considered "armed and dangerous," was taken into custody Friday morning. Rose has not yet been booked into the jail, and it is unclear what charges he will face in connection to the chase.
"We would like to thank the community and the media for their assistance with this case," Meridian Police tweeted. | true | true | both | www.idahopress | 20220401 |
https://www.idahopress.com/longsleeve-drive-gathers-donated-clothing-for-farmworkers/article_253e904e-2d04-5ec3-92fb-849d63553bf2.html | Idaho's farmworkers are the ones who help grow and harvest crops that feed the entire world, but with the job comes a lot of risks. According to the Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs, being a farmworker is the third-most dangerous job in the U.S.
National Farmworker Awareness Week aims to help educate the community on some of the challenges these workers face every day.
The Community Council of Idaho is teaming up with multiple local organizations to help supply local farmworkers with long-sleeved shirts.
“We want to help protect them as much as possible because they grow our food," Community Council of Idaho’s Intake and Assessment Clerk Esmeralda Garcia said.
Long sleeves are necessary because farmworkers spend long hours outside in extreme weather conditions, with minimal breaks.
"Farmworkers are out in the sun, that's mainly the main reason, you know, you want to protect yourself from the sun," Boise State University’s MEPA President Alejandra Hernandez said. "Although there is sunscreen, most of the time you're just in the sun for long hours.”
Farmworkers are also exposed to the chemicals used on crops, which can be dangerous.
"All the fields that the farmworkers are working at, they have to fumigate them," Garcia said. "There are pesticides and they can cause severe illnesses like skin diseases, skin rashes, because they are breathing things in, if they are not wearing a mask."
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The Community Council of Idaho is launching a new program to provide resources, such as education and training, for agricultural employers and employees in the Gem State.
"To inform them of all the benefits of being preventative and what dangers it can cause to their families for exposing them to pesticides and things like that,” Garcia said.
The Community Council of Idaho says it has collected 40 long-sleeved shirts so far, with a goal to raise more then 150. All of them will be given to local farmworkers to help them continue to do essential work that benefits us all.
"It would be best if we could get any light colors, thin fabrics, something that's best for them. But we will accept anything to best provide for them,” Garcia said.
Any donations can be dropped off at the Community Council of Idaho's site at 317 Happy Day Blvd., Suite 180, in Caldwell. | true | true | both | www.idahopress | 20220401 |
https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/experts-urge-idahoans-to-conserve-water-heading-into-the-gardening-season/article_33f2b779-7bef-5972-95cf-ed464bca9dcc.html | A sprinkler head directs irrigation water onto a field along Farmway Road in Caldwell in July 2021. Local water experts are advising Idahoans to conserve water as the summer approaches.
As Idahoans get ready to shape up their gardens for the season, experts caution against using too much water as Idaho’s drought conditions continue.
“Very little of the water that you shower with disappears in the system, but what you use in your yard evaporates and that’s gone,” said David Hoekema, a hydrologist with the Idaho Department of Water Resources.
According to Hoekema, most of Idaho’s reservoirs won’t fill up this summer. Recent data shows that February was the eighth-driest February on record and snowpack levels are not where they should be.
“This summer it’s a good idea to practice water conservation,” Hoekema said.
By CAROLYN KOMATSOULIS
ckomatsoulis@idahopress.com
Tony Laidlaw, a long-time Idahoan, takes pride in his garden and looks forward to planting season every year.
“Each area of the yard, I have it watered specifically for that area. The water needs of that area are based on the plant,” Laidlaw said. “We need rain, we really need the rain.”
He said over the years he has had to change where and what he plants because of Idaho’s dry conditions.
“We look out our house and see Bogus (Basin) and we say, ‘There’s no snow up there, there should be snow,’” Laidlaw said.
In an attempt to conserve water, Laidlaw said he uses a drip system, dry-scrapes, and plants things that require less water and can tolerate heat. Experts say those are conservation measures that more people should consider doing.
According to Jos Zamzow, who is the co-CEO of Zamzows — a lawn, garden and pet emporium with 13 locations in the Treasure Valley — and is also a part of Nampa’s drought task force, said most people are overwatering as it is.
“Water in April is not very important as these plants are coming alive, the temperatures are not hot, really banking water now will pay dividends to us in August when really every single day is hard on plants when they don’t water,” Zamzow said.
Zamzow also said that during a drought year, it’s best not to set your sprinklers to automatic until May.
“It really is up to all of us to do a good job and be frugal with the water,” he said. | true | true | both | www.idahopress | 20220401 |
https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/nampa-opens-application-process-to-fill-city-council-seat/article_408fe017-af77-54ae-9769-c7bfdab05656.html | NAMPA — The Nampa City Council is calling for applications for its fourth council seat, which will be vacated by Sandi Levi in May.
Levi’s last day will be May 2. She announced plans to step down last month, citing her marriage and a planned move out of Nampa, as previously reported by the Idaho Press.
Applicants for the vacant seat must live in Nampa and are encouraged to submit a cover letter, resume, and completed application (available at cityofnampa.us/serve) to mayor@cityofnampa.us by Sunday, April 24, according to a press release from the city.
The seat will be up for reelection in 2023, and the term will last through Jan. 2, 2024, the release said.
Mayor Debbie Kling will interview final applicants, and make her recommendation to the Nampa City Council, the release said.
Kling thanked Levi for her six-plus years of service on the council and on other boards, and invited eligible residents to apply for the position.
“I greatly value and appreciate the time and dedication of all who serve and encourage anyone interested to apply as we work together to help shape the future of our community,” Kling said in the release.
Prospective applicants are welcome to call the mayor’s office with questions at 208-468-5041, the release said. | true | true | both | www.idahopress | 20220401 |
https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/office-of-police-accountability-to-change-media-policy-moving-forward/article_959bbce6-7de8-5ba0-a176-f5fe3a25dfa1.html | Investigators comb through the scene of an officer-involved shooting near the intersection of Fairview Avenue and Liberty Street in Boise on February 22. Boise's Office of Police Accountability will send out a media notification following the completion of an officer-involved shooting review moving forward, according to a city spokesperson.
Boise’s Office of Police Accountability will make an adjustment to its media policy moving forward.
Specifically, the office will send a notification to local media outlets once a review is conducted on an officer-involved shooting, according to city spokesperson Justin Corr.
The notification will feature a brief statement that the review has been completed along with a link to the office's website and the specific incident review.
The review, however, was completed in December and posted on the city’s website without a public notice that it existed. Therefore, the review didn’t come to light nor was it reported on until this week after Office of Police Accountability Director Jesus Jara made a presentation at a Boise City Council meeting.
Corr said that city officials and the Office of Police Accountability have discussions often regarding media strategy and decided to adjust their procedure in such circumstances moving forward.
“We got together and said, ‘Hey, we can publicize these more and increase transparency,’” Corr said.
Corr said that further policy changes should be addressed with the Office of Police Accountability.
Jara did not return an email seeking comment on Friday.
Other questions in the review of the Mkoma incident included the officers' and subjects' names being omitted.
Also, two of the officers involved in the shooting failed to activate their body cameras, which the incident review said should have occurred. Any disciplinary or corrective action the officers could face as a result were not addressed in the review, however.
“When deciding on any discipline or corrective action following a policy violation we look at the totality of the circumstances of the individual investigation,” Boise Police Department spokesperson Haley Williams wrote in an email to the Idaho Press earlier this week. “Whenever possible we want to provide a response that helps prevent the violation from occurring again.”
On Friday, Williams said personnel records are addressed in the Idaho Public Records Act and are not available for public release. | true | true | both | www.idahopress | 20220401 |
https://www.idahopress.com/news/state/inl-contractor-celebrates-completion-of-16-year-cleanup-project/article_d84d2c63-3847-578c-aa46-c87718b1dd0b.html | A 16-year cleanup project at Idaho National Laboratory’s desert site to help protect the East Snake Plain Aquifer from radioactive waste material finished its first phase in March, signifying the end of the lab’s involvement in the Cold War.
“Historically, we were trying to win a Cold War with the Soviet Union. As this (radioactive) material was generated, we needed to dispose of it and, at the time, the country’s priority was winning the Cold War and sending the waste material here,” said Erik Simpson, a spokesman for the Idaho Cleanup Project “This really does close a chapter on the Cold War.”
The Idaho Environmental Coalition, the contractor for the project, celebrated the completion of exhuming waste 18 months ahead of schedule Wednesday at the Radioactive Waste Management Complex on the desert site west of Idaho Falls. Several state and local officials were in attendance including Gov. Brad Little, Attorney General Lawrence Wasden and Mayor Rebecca Casper.
“What you’ve done here, the fact that we made a commitment — the state, the federal government, our partners, our contractors — to get things done and we got it done. And that’s why we’re where we are today. That’s why it brings great confidence in what takes place out here at the lab,” Little said.
The cleanup project was necessitated by the U.S. Department of Energy using the waste complex to store radioactive and hazardous elements generated in national defense and research programs. The waste was transported to the site over the course of several decades, starting in the 1950s.
The Associated Press reported in January that the area was added to the National Priorities List for Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites in 1989. The energy department shipped nuclear waste to Idaho until a series of lawsuits between the state and the federal government in the 1990s led to the 1995 Settlement Agreement, which required cleanup and removal of existing nuclear waste.
The waste management area is made up of three areas: an operations center, a 97-acre legacy landfill called the Subsurface Disposal Area and a 56-acre Transuranic Storage Area, which stores remote-handled transuranic waste, or materials that have been contaminated with radioactive elements.
Radioactive materials were stored in a Subsurface Disposal Area until a federal policy change in 1970 which required radioactive materials to be stored above ground. The area contains pits and trenches that were filled with transuranic waste during nuclear weapons production activities at the Rocky Flats Plant in Colorado.
The cleanup project began in 2005 and, in 2008, the Department of Energy, the state of Idaho, and the Environmental Protection Agency signed a Record of Decision to exhume and repackage 7,485 cubic meters of targeted waste from a combined area of 5.69 acres within pit areas at the Subsurface Disposal Area. Nine individual excavation projects have been completed since 2005, most notably Pit 9.
Workers also extracted more than 258,000 pounds of solvent vapors buried beneath the landfill using vapor vacuum extraction technology, according to the Idaho Environmental Coalition.
The overall Subsurface Disposal Area buried waste project life-cycle baseline, which encompasses the removal of waste material and construction of a soil surface over the area, was approximately $1.3 billion.
Following the 1970 policy change, the energy department started storing materials on asphalt pads covered in soil in the Transuranic Storage Area. Referred to as the Advanced Mix Waste Treatment Plant, this area is dedicated to storage of contact and remote-handled transuranic waste.
The waste, in drums and boxes, also is stored in storage containers and energy coalition workers prepare transuranic waste to ship to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in New Mexico, which serves as the nation’s permanent deep geologic repository for transuranic waste. Some waste is sent to other repository sites but most will be sent to New Mexico.
“To complete such a unique project of this size and this magnitude on time would be a noteworthy achievement,” Office of Environmental Management Senior Advisor William “Ike” White told employees Wednesday. “But all of you didn’t just help us make this deadline on time. You beat it. You brought this waste retrieval project ahead of the finish line over 18 months prior to the commitment we had made to the state and in the middle of a global pandemic. I can’t overstate how difficult that challenge was.”
Work crews retrieved more than 10,000 cubic meters of radioactive waste from 5.69 acres at the Subsurface Disposal Area, which was more than 49,500 55-gallon drums of waste from the Subsurface Disposal Area, according to the Idaho Environmental Coalition.
Dan Coyne, the environmental coalition’s senior director for Waste and Decontamination and Demolition, said employees have been innovative and overcame many challenges during the 16-year project, which helped the coalition finish exhuming waste 18 months early. He also commended their safety practices as no serious injuries have occurred during the project.
“It’s about the people and safe execution,” Coyne said. “It’s a challenge. You’re in there wearing breathing air suits and running pieces of equipment. This couldn’t have been done without the people.”
Idaho Cleanup Project Manager Connie Flohr said the number of people who have been involved in this project is too high for her to remember over the course of 16 years, and many have retired during the project’s duration. This year, about 200 employees are working on the cleanup project, she said.
“The federal and contractor team has been unwavering in their dedication to this mission and they have not only met but exceeded everyone’s expectations,” Flohr said.
The end goal of the project is to eventually close the entire Radioactive Waste Management Complex, taking down the soft-sided buildings at the complex and planting soil and native vegetation to leave no trace of the cleanup project. Shipments to the New Mexico waste plant are expected to continue through 2028.
Flohr said the area will continue to be monitored and surveyed after the soil cap is constructed over the complex.
“Hopefully, when you drive down the highway, you won’t even know about the things we did here,” Flohr said. | true | true | both | www.idahopress | 20220401 |
https://www.idahopress.com/blueturfsports/with-loss-of-kaniho-boise-state-in-search-of-its-next-nickelback/article_c14b3983-a6db-559a-938a-b916b1e0201f.html | Spring football rosters are always full of oddities.
Five months out from a real game, so much is still in flux. Freshmen will arrive in the summer. Injuries will heal. Guys will transfer out. Some will transfer in.
But one anomaly to pay attention to with Boise State’s early roster: There is only one nickelback listed. On a roster full of 97 names, there are as many people at nickel as there are at long snapper.
Making things tougher: That one nickel safety — sixth-year man Roman Kafentzis — is out for all of spring practice with an injury.
“That’s a position where there’s going to be competition all the way through,” Boise State head coach Andy Avalos said. “All the way up until the first game when we get to see who rises from that.”
Boise State could have had a dozen nickelbacks listed last season. It wouldn’t have mattered. Kekaula Kaniho practically had tenure at the position, starting there the past three seasons during a career in which he played in more Boise State games (60) than any other Bronco in history.
Kaniho brought smarts to a position all about experience.
On Wednesday, Kaniho was back at Boise State for his Pro Day, working through all the drills that didn't seem to encapsulate why he excelled in the blue and orange. Kaniho is 5-foot-11 and just 188 pounds. He is not the type of guy primed to blow minds next to a tape measure. But put him on the football field and he weasels his way into every play.
That’s what nickel safeties need to do. The position is all about versatility. One play, you’re on an island with a shifty slot receiver. On the next, you might be pass rushing off the edge and have to power past an offensive tackle or tight end. Then on the next, the defense might be playing zone and you have to drop into pass coverage. After that, it’s a run play and you have to bust into a gap.
“All those things wrapped into one individual,” said safeties coach Kane Ioane. “That’s pretty special.”
Indeed, and Boise State now has five months to find the individual it thinks is special enough. Kafentzis, who didn’t play a snap last season, might be in the mix come fall but, for now, the Broncos are looking at a few other options.
Zion Washington — an athletic 6-2, 205-pound redshirt freshman — has impressed early on. As has sophomore Seyi Oladipo, who's been at first-team nickelback as of late. A former three-star recruit, Oladipo played his way onto the field as a freshman, making a handful of tackles while picking off two passes against UTEP.
“He has more and more confidence coming off a season where he did get a lot of reps,” Ioane said of Oladipo. “He did get some opportunities to jump in there when his number was called and had production.”
Another guy the Broncos have tried at nickel is Tyreque Jones, which is a tad unexpected. Jones has started at safety in 17 of the past 18 games, forming a back-end tandem with JL Skinner that was projected to be the best in the Mountain West next year.
“We compliment each other very well,” Skinner said of he and Jones. “I basically know him like a book. I can tell what he’s thinking at any given moment. I just look at him, he looks at me and we don’t even have to say anything.”
Shifting Jones seems like an odd move ahead of his sixth year at Boise State. But the Broncos’ currently have a plentiful crop of young, athletic safeties in their basket — guys like Oladipo and Washington and Rodney Robinson and Jaylen Clark and, to a lesser-extent, redshirt junior Alexander Teubner.
What they lack is experience, and experience might be more important at nickelback than safety.
“The safeties set everything from the backend as far as what’s going on,” Ioane said. “But that nickel is such a vital piece to, whether it’s a disguise, whether it’s communication with the backers, the run fits. That position is vitally important to what we’re doing from a schematic standpoint.
“That guy has to have a big knowledge and understanding of the defense, not just his piece but all 11 pieces on the field.” | true | true | both | www.idahopress | 20220402 |
https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/how-decreased-contraceptive-access-affects-women/article_ead35328-7cf9-55e4-a20c-81bd158f6ca0.html | Birth control and family planning are inextricably linked, but some Idahoans face obstacles accessing contraceptives.
Those obstacles were accentuated during the legislative session, when legislators killed a bill, SB 1260, that would have extended birth control prescription maximums to six months. The bill failed 24-44.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has named family planning one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century. However, some residents experience financial barriers, a lack of knowledge or transportation issues. This lack of access can have profound impacts on public health.
Contraceptives allow women to have the number of children they want when they’re ready, said Gina Pannell, Central District Health division administrator of family and clinic services.
For example, a lot of unintended pregnancies can happen to women who wanted a second child, but not as soon as it happened, she said.
“It has the ability to impact a family, right, if you’re already struggling to care for that one child and afford all the things that are related,” Pannell said. “Now you have a second one. ... Contraception allows the choice to create that reproductive life plan.”
But being ready can entail more than just being emotionally ready to have children. For example, women on birth control can wait to have children until they have their mental health in check or until they’ve stopped using tobacco.
Some women choose to wait until they can improve their physical health, Pannell said.
“Having a child without the means to be able to raise them or just have them as an addition to taking care of yourself is a big burden on individuals who are not ready,” Pannell said. “It has long-term impacts, as far as your ability to contribute to the economy.”
In addition, contraceptives have lowered maternal mortality, in part because prenatal care is not just for the infant. Women who are able to wait until they can afford the prenatal care will receive medical attention during checkups.
But contraceptive access can have benefits on more than just an individual level.
A child born on Medicaid will likely stay on Medicaid, Pannell said.
“It’s really hard to kind of get out of this cycle of poverty,” Pannell said.
Issues with access
A year’s supply of contraceptives is cost-effective and improves adherence and continuation rates, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. For example, in rural counties, people who can only get prescriptions for periods of time like three months can face obstacles with transportation or needing to see someone in person.
Most birth control users in Idaho have to refill their prescription monthly, said Mistie DelliCarpini-Tolman, Idaho state director for Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates.
“So obviously having to refill every month or every two months, that’s a burden that makes perfect use challenging,” DelliCarpini-Tolman said. “Amidst the COVID-19 crisis, pharmacy wait times have skyrocketed. Even shipping delays are slowing down the delivery of mail order prescriptions.”
If used perfectly, the birth control pill is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. However, with typical use, the pill is less effective.
Perfect use would include taking the pill at the same time each day and never missing a dose.
The American Civil Liberties Union previously supported a 2021 version of the bill that would have expanded access to 12 months.
“Meaningful access to contraception is integral to our vision of a world in which people are free to express their sexuality, form intimate relationships, lead healthy sexual lives and decide whether and when to have children,” the ACLU of Idaho wrote on its website.
Increasing the supply to six months would be "a good step in the right direction," ACLU of Idaho Policy Strategist Lauren Bramwell said.
In 2010, Gem State women had 12,000 unintended pregnancies, according to the CDC. Research shows more than 90% of abortions are in cases of unintended pregnancies.
"Legislators say time and time again that they want to decrease the number of abortions in our state," Bramwell said. "But when measures are introduced that would decrease the number of unintended pregnancies, those measures fail."
But there are other barriers to contraceptive access in the Treasure Valley, beyond the length of prescriptions.
Central District Health is a Title X recipient, which means it receives federal funds to support family planning. In practice, this means Central District Health can charge no fee to those whose income qualifies.
But Pannell said Central District Health is the only Title X provider in the Treasure Valley.
“Access has been an issue because if you can’t afford the birth control, then why would you go to an appointment?” Pannell said.
The Treasure Valley is a contraceptive desert, according to the nonprofit Power to Decide. Ada and Canyon counties have closer to one full-range clinic per 5,000 women, but ideally there would be one per 1,000 women.
This ability to access contraceptives can in some ways be a double standard, because male birth control does not serve a purpose beyond preventing birth and sexually transmitted diseases. However, the pill can treat things like painful period symptoms, migraines and endometriosis for women.
“Birth control is not just for contraceptive needs … it is also to address a host of medical issues,” said Tara Mancini, Power to Decide’s director of public policy. “It’s ridiculous in any scenario to not be able to access basic health care.”
Contraceptives are “an integral component of women’s health care,” according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Stigma is another barrier because people can feel uncomfortable purchasing or requesting contraceptives.
In addition to its clinic in the Treasure Valley, Central District Health has clinics in more remote places like McCall and Mountain Home.
“We’re only up there (in McCall) about once a month on average,” said Savannah Klinginsmith, nurse practitioner with Central District Health. “There can be financial barriers, maybe no insurance because most insurance will cover contraception.”
There’s also a knowledge barrier as far as clients knowing things like how contraception works and how pregnancy occurs, Klinginsmith said. Others don’t know about the services available.
Idaho access mirrors political trends
Although abortion rights have been longstanding political and ethical battles, recently state legislatures across the U.S. have taken to protesting contraceptive access, according to Vogue.
U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., last week railed against the Griswold v. Connecticut Supreme Court decision, which gave married women access to contraceptives.
And DelliCarpini-Tolman, with Planned Parenthood, said the decision to vote down the contraceptives bill was a byproduct of the Idaho legislature becoming more extreme.
Extremism and polarization are increasing in the Gem State, the Idaho Press previously reported.
Idaho Reps. Brent Crane and Heather Scott didn’t respond to requests for comment. Both spoke out against the bill during the March 14 Legislative debate.
Crane, R-Nampa, said during the debate that he was frantically communicating with pro-life groups that did not support the bill. He did not specify why.
“I can’t imagine that the pro-life groups are in favor of this bill,” Scott, R-Blanchard, said at the time.
Chelsea Gaona Lincoln, Idaho programs manager for Legal Voice, said she would love to see comprehensive reproductive education in the state as well as expanded access to birth control.
“I think it pairs along with the fact that reproductive and sexual health education has also been under attack in recent leg sessions,” Gaona Lincoln said. “It speaks to the fact that there are those in the state that would like to push their will or beliefs upon the larger population.” | true | true | both | www.idahopress | 20220402 |
https://www.idahopress.com/news/state/idaho-gop-requiring-bonneville-republican-central-committee-to-correct-by-law-violations-violations-related-to/article_0467d3fb-d792-5e2b-8ae5-033715be9ff0.html | The Idaho Republican Party is requiring action from the Bonneville County Republican Central Committee to remedy potential violations of its by-laws after donating money to Republican candidates for their campaigns in the upcoming primary election.
Idaho Republican Party Chairman Tom Luna sent a letter Tuesday to the committee informing committee members they had violated their by-laws, most notably one which states, “It shall be the policy of the committee to: (D) Take no position in favor of any Republican candidate engaged in a primary election contest.”
“The by-laws of the BCRCC clearly prohibit the county committee from supporting positions in favor of any Republican candidate engaged in a primary election contest. The BCRCC has, through its rules, clearly opted to NOT engage in the endorsement process during primary elections,” Luna wrote to the committee. “By unequally contributing in contested Republican primary races, the BCRCC took a position in favor of those candidates, thus violating the BCRCC by-laws.”
Bonneville County Republican Central Committee Chairman Mark Fuller said Friday he isn't sure how the central committee will respond, but indicated that the two state party-suggested solutions are likely nonstarters.
According to the Idaho Secretary of State website, which tracks political donations candidates receive, the committee donated $5,000 each to attorney general candidate Raul Labrador, superintendent of public instruction candidate Branden Durst, secretary of state candidate Dorothy Moon, and Lt. Gov. candidate Priscilla Giddings, all of whom are running in contested races in the upcoming Republican primary.
Additionally, the committee donated $1,000 to Rep. Barbara Ehardt, R-Idaho Falls; District 35 senator candidate Douglas Toomer; Rep. Ron Nate, R-Rexburg; and Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin, who is running for governor. Each of those candidates is also in a contested primary race.
“(These decisions) were virtually unanimous,” Fuller said. “The vast majority of the central committee was completely in favor of all those donations.”
Fuller said the committee doesn’t believe donating money to a candidate is favoritism and he anticipates committee members will likely appeal Luna’s letter, although no formal decision has been made yet.
According to its website, the Bonneville County Central Committee elected leadership includes Bryan Smith as its fourth vice chairman and Doyle Beck as a state committeeman. Smith, who is challenging U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson in the GOP primary for the 2nd Congressional District, is also vice chairman for the Idaho Freedom Foundation and Beck is on the foundation's board of directors. The Idaho Freedom Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that advocates for conservative ideas and limited government but it has come under fire for its far-right agenda.
Luna suggested three options for the committee. The committee could request a refund from any candidate who received a direct cash contribution or donate an equal amount to all Republican candidates in the contested primary race. Alternatively, the committee could provide a solution that corrects the violation.
“We may not always agree with the outcome, but we must have trust in the process and in each other to act with integrity. This decision would be the outcome for any county with specific provisions prohibiting a county committee from favoring a candidate in primary elections. We must apply our rules uniformly and in good faith, and that is what I have done. I humbly ask the BCRCC to immediately correct this violation and allow us to move forward together,” Luna wrote in the letter.
Fuller said it is unlikely the committee will ask for refunds or donate an equal amount to other candidates. Committee members will consider their options and decide how to move forward during the committee’s meeting on April 14 at the Paramount Theater in Idaho Falls.
“I will not recommend (the committee) seek a refund. Some of those candidates have already spent that money,” Fuller said. “We will not make additional donations. Chairman Luna does not have the authority to mandate that we make additional donations to other candidates that we do not support.”
Fuller said he’s only heard of complaints voiced to Luna that have come from incumbent Attorney General Lawrence Wasden’s campaign and attorney general candidate Art Macomber's campaign after the committee donated its maximum allocation of $5,000 to Labrador.
The Bonneville committee is not the only Republican central committee to donate money to a candidate running in the primary election. The Elmore, Lewis, Kootenai, Custer, Bonner and Clearwater Republican central committees have also donated funds to candidates, according to the Secretary of State.
Idaho Republican Party rules allow the state party to compel performance to remedy violations within County Republican Central Committees, but has not stated how the party would act if the Bonneville County Republican Central Committee does not correct the violations. The state party chairman has final discretion and will consider input from the full body.
In an emailed statement to the Post Register, the Idaho GOP wrote, “The State Party is handling this internal matter in accordance with the process outlined in our party rules. This decision would be the outcome for any county committee whose by-laws prohibit them from supporting a position in favor of any candidate during the primary election.” | true | true | both | www.idahopress | 20220402 |
https://www.idahopress.com/sports/local-roundup-broncos-winning-streak-snapped-in-big-way/article_a3ada243-4a41-5895-8e53-4df6b442a0c2.html | The winning streak came crumbling down Friday afternoon for the Boise State softball team.
UNLV jumped on the Broncos early, scoring seven runs in the first inning and its way to a 9-0 run-rule shortened victory at Dona Larsen Park.
Rebels pitcher Jenny Bressler (13-4) threw a one-hitter, striking out three.
It was the Broncos’ first conference loss. Boise State is 27-6 and 6-1 while UNLV improved to 25-6 and 3-1.
HIGH SCHOOL
TRACK
HELMS SOARS: It didn’t take long for Landon Helms to make headway toward an ambitious goal.
The Emmett multi-event specialist vaulted 17 feet, 2 inches in his first vaulting action this spring in a quad meet at Emmett. Helms wants to exceed 18-0.
Bishop Kelly’s Jacoba Luteyn broke her school record in shot put (40-10) that she set three weeks ago by extending it another foot (41-10).
• In a dual meet at Rocky Mountain, the Boise girls topped the Grizzlies 73-36 and the Grizzlies boys won 50-32.
Logan Smith led Boise as she won the 800-meter race in 2 minutes, 12.32 seconds. Teammate Ali Bruce won the 1,600 (5:02.04).
In the boys, Tyler Sainsbury led Rocky Mountain, winning the 800 (1:57.02).
Liam Murray of Boise won the 400 (48.42).
SOFTBALL
BISHOP KELLY 15, EMMETT 0, 5 INNINGS: The Knights (8-4, 4-0) moved into first place with the run-rule win over the Huskies (9-2, 3-1) in a 4A Southern Idaho Conference game.
The Knights, who hit three homers, scored 10 runs in the third to take control. Ava Armuth led by going 2 for 3 with four RBI.
Bishop Kelly pitcher Pilar Cook threw a one-hitter, striking out eight.
VALLIVUE 11, COLUMBIA 3: The Falcons (9-4, 3-1) got past the Wildcats (3-10, 0-4) in a 4A SIC game.
Pitcher Britney Henderson led Vallivue, throwing a three-hitter with seven strikeouts.
RIDGEVUE 10, CALDWELL 0, 5 INNINGS: The Warhawks (5-7, 2-2) topped the Cougars in a run-rule shortened 4A SIC game.
SKYVIEW 11, ROCKY MOUNTAIN 8: The Hawks (10-0, 4-0) remained unbeaten with the win over the Grizzlies (5-5, 2-2).
Lily Justesen and Marae Holloway each had two RBI to lead Skyview.
TIMBERLINE 11, BOISE 0, 5 INNINGS: The Wolves shut out the Brave in a 5A SIC game.
Three Wolves had three RBI each.
CAPITAL 4, BORAH 3: Penny-Lew Barnett hit a two-run homer in the sixth to lift the Eagles (9-3, 2-1) to a win over the Lions (5-4, 2-2) in a 5A SIC game.
OWYHEE 19-18, HIGHLAND 12-6: The Storm swept the Rams in a nonleague doubleheader.
BASEBALL
CENTENNIAL 6, KUNA 1: The Patriots (6-6, 2-1) handed the Kavemen (8-1, 3-1) their first loss in a 5A Southern Idaho Conference game.
Kyle Schabot led Centennial by going 3 for 4 with a RBI.
HOCKEY
STEELHEADS BOUNCE BACK: After seeing its four-game winning streak snapped on Wednesday, the visiting Steelheads shut out the Florida Everblades 3-0.
After a scoreless first period, Idaho took a 2-0 lead on goals from Will Merchant and Ryan Dmowski. The goals came a minute apart.
Idaho (35-28-3) padded its lead in the third when Willie Knierim scored.
A.J. White had two assists and goalie Jake Kupsky turned away 29 shots. | true | true | both | www.idahopress | 20220402 |
https://www.idahopress.com/community/life/town-talk/article_3929498d-e613-5e24-975a-e50cb7f0049f.html | UNITED WAY HOSTING ‘PACK THE PANTRY’ FOR HOMELESS STUDENTS
BOISE — United Way of Treasure Valley’s Women United Affinity Group will host a “Pack the Pantry” food and hygiene drive on April 21 from 4 to 6:30 p.m., to serve the 4,000 students experiencing homelessness in the valley. The homeless student basic needs pantry is currently accessed by over 60 Treasure Valley schools.
All community members are invited to come to 3100 S. Vista Ave in Boise to drop off shelf-stable/backpack-friendly foods and full-sized hygiene products. This is a drive-through event. Signs will guide each driver in and out of the parking lot. Items needed include protein bars, applesauce pouches, crackers, beef jerky, trail mix, bottled water, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, hairbrushes, lice kits and feminine hygiene products. Visit unitedwaytv.org/blog to learn more.
NAMPA STUDENTS INVITED TO APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP
NAMPA — The GFWC Woman’s Century Club is seeking applicants for two $1,000 scholarships. These scholarships are open to male and female students in the Nampa and Vallivue Districts and can be obtained at the club’s website, gfwcwomanscenturyclub.com, or at the counselor’s offices at the local high schools. Deadline to apply is April 4.
PINWHEELS FOR PREVENTION APRIL 5 AND SUPERHERO WALK APRIL 9 RAISE CHILD ABUSE AWARENESS
CALDWELL — Advocates Against Family Violence will be at City Hall for its first stop of pinwheel planting for Child Abuse Awareness Month. The community is invited to attend Pinwheels for Prevention April 5 at 1 p.m. at City Hall, 411 Blaine Street.
On April 9, the Nampa Family Justice Center is partnering with the Canyon County Law Enforcement Foundation to host the annual “Superhero Walk” at 1 p.m. The community is invited to wear their superhero outfits and capes, or blue clothing, and meet at the Caldwell Police Department, located at 110 S Fifth Ave.
Participants, including officers from the Nampa Police Department, will walk from the Caldwell Police Department to the Canyon County Courthouse and plant pinwheels, a symbol for child abuse prevention, in front of the courthouse. There will also be an Easter egg hunt at Justice Park. Hotdogs, chips and water will be served free of charge.
FRIENDS OF THE BOISE PUBLIC LIBRARY TO HOST SPRING SALE APRIL 7-10
BOISE — For the first time since 2019, the Friends of the Boise Public Library will host its spring sale at Hayes Auditorium, Boise Public Library, 715 S Capitol Blvd.
The sale will be held April 7, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. (members only); April 8, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; April 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and April 10, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (half-price day).
The Friends will be offering individually priced material in very good condition, including: adult fiction and nonfiction; books for children, youth and young adults; DVDs, music CDs and audiobooks; and carefully selected vintage books. Merchandise will be restocked through the sale. Because of space limitations, strollers and carts are discouraged and the number of shoppers will be limited.
WESTERN GOVERNORS’ ASSOCIATION HOSTS ART COMPETITION
The Western Governors’ Association (WGA) is hosting the 2022 Celebrate the West art competition for high school students in the 17 western states and three U.S. territories whose governors are members of the bipartisan WGA.
Now in its seventh year, Celebrate the West challenges high school students to create original artwork that expresses what it means to call the West home. The deadline for submissions is April 30.
After reviewing submissions, a panel of art experts will select one finalist from each state and territory on or before May 7. State winners will receive $200 and move on to the regional competition, the winners of which will be revealed at the WGA’s annual meeting on July 26-28, in Coeur d’Alene. As part of the competition, the Western Governors’ Foundation will also award a participating teacher $300 for the Chairman’s Award for Outstanding Art Teacher.
To view the application guidelines and past winners’ work, visit celebrate-the-west/competition/2022-competition.
MAKE-A-WISH IDAHO ANNOUNCES 2022 HEROES FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN
BOISE — Make-A-Wish Idaho launched its second Wish Heroes fundraising campaign on March 28 to raise money to grant life-changing wishes to children with critical Illnesses. The campaign is based on the power of a select group of individuals — Wish Heroes — sharing why wishes matter and raising funds for Make-A-Wish Idaho during the campaign which ends on April 29, World Wish Day.
Each Wish Hero is informally tasked with raising $1,000. Although not every Wish Hero will accomplish this goal, Make-A-Wish Idaho is incredibly grateful for the support of anyone who would like to try.
“As wish referrals increase, our need to fund wishes grows,” said Director of Development Helene Peterson. “Right now, there are over 150 Idaho wish kids waiting on their wishes. We need funds to ensure their wishes are granted quickly while continuing to grant new and incoming wishes in a timely matter. In short, we need heroes now more than ever.”
Wish Heroes receive a personalized fundraising page they can use to raise money on social media, via email or with a personal site. The fundraising webpage is mobile-friendly and easy to use. Wish Heroes can also receive support from Make-A-Wish Idaho staff.
Make-A-Wish Idaho is also seeking out support from Idaho-based companies who would be willing to participate. Corporate Wish Heroes will receive special recognition from Make-A-Wish Idaho on social media, email and elsewhere. | true | true | both | www.idahopress | 20220402 |
https://www.idahopress.com/community/money/treasure-valley-commercial-real-estate-roundup/article_5b5beb88-d6f1-5ada-b994-d76e0152c689.html | Fry Family Limited Partnership purchased the single tenant net leased retail property located at 1612 Broadway Avenue in Boise. John Stevens and JP Green of TOK Commercial facilitated the transaction.
Wapiti Plumbing renewed their 1,040 square feet of industrial space in the QTI Complex, located at 2147-2171 Centurion Place in Boise. Chris Pearson and Erik McNary of TOK Commercial facilitated the transaction.
Wear Ease, Inc. renewed their 1,200 square feet of industrial space in the Kendall Center, located at 5481-5505 Kendall Street in Boise. Chris Pearson and Gavin Phillips of TOK Commercial facilitated the transaction.
Superior Water and Air, Inc. renewed their 1,721 square feet of industrial space in the Maple Grove Center, located at 276-300 N. Maple Grove Road in Boise. Gavin Phillips of TOK Commercial facilitated the transaction.
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EA Boise, LLC leased 2,875 square feet of industrial space in South Cole Business Park, located at 7413-7557 Mossy Cup Street in Boise. Gavin Phillips of TOK Commercial facilitated the transaction.
MERIDIAN
Landmark Pacific Development, Inc. purchased 1.97 acres at 1789 N. Hickory Way in Meridian. Sam McCaskill of TOK Commercial represented the seller. Maddie Drown of Realty Idaho represented the buyer.
STAR
Alturas CCP Star, LLC purchased 0.49 acres at 11398 W. State Street in Star. JP Green and Sam McCaskill of TOK Commercial represented the seller. Mike Erkmann of NAI represented the buyer. | true | true | both | www.idahopress | 20220402 |
https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/longsleeve-drive-gathers-donated-clothing-for-farmworkers/article_253e904e-2d04-5ec3-92fb-849d63553bf2.html | Idaho's farmworkers are the ones who help grow and harvest crops that feed the entire world, but with the job comes a lot of risks. According to the Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs, being a farmworker is the third-most dangerous job in the U.S.
National Farmworker Awareness Week aims to help educate the community on some of the challenges these workers face every day.
The Community Council of Idaho is teaming up with multiple local organizations to help supply local farmworkers with long-sleeved shirts.
“We want to help protect them as much as possible because they grow our food," Community Council of Idaho’s Intake and Assessment Clerk Esmeralda Garcia said.
Long sleeves are necessary because farmworkers spend long hours outside in extreme weather conditions, with minimal breaks.
"Farmworkers are out in the sun, that's mainly the main reason, you know, you want to protect yourself from the sun," Boise State University’s MEPA President Alejandra Hernandez said. "Although there is sunscreen, most of the time you're just in the sun for long hours.”
Farmworkers are also exposed to the chemicals used on crops, which can be dangerous.
"All the fields that the farmworkers are working at, they have to fumigate them," Garcia said. "There are pesticides and they can cause severe illnesses like skin diseases, skin rashes, because they are breathing things in, if they are not wearing a mask."
The Community Council of Idaho is launching a new program to provide resources, such as education and training, for agricultural employers and employees in the Gem State.
"To inform them of all the benefits of being preventative and what dangers it can cause to their families for exposing them to pesticides and things like that,” Garcia said.
The Community Council of Idaho says it has collected 40 long-sleeved shirts so far, with a goal to raise more then 150. All of them will be given to local farmworkers to help them continue to do essential work that benefits us all.
"It would be best if we could get any light colors, thin fabrics, something that's best for them. But we will accept anything to best provide for them,” Garcia said.
Any donations can be dropped off at the Community Council of Idaho's site at 317 Happy Day Blvd., Suite 180, in Caldwell. | true | true | both | www.idahopress | 20220402 |
https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/idahos-most-expensive-home-on-the-market-for-19-75-million/article_5e7abf57-d763-5e19-b4dd-6875e2a0ed4c.html | According to realtor.com, the Gem State's most expensive house — a 10,362-square-foot mansion in Ketchum — is on the market for $19,750,000.
The 1990 home includes five bedrooms and 5 ½ bathrooms. It also sits on a 276.16-acre lot and houses a four-car garage.
Located at 105 Camas Road in Ketchum, Idaho's most expensive house has been on the market for 16 days, according to realtor.com. The breathtaking mansion sits just east of State Highway 75 and has a view of Bald Mountain.
Idaho's second-most expensive home — a 15,000-square-foot pad in Blaine County — is pending on realtor.com for $19.5 million, $250,000 less than the top-ranked Ketchum home.
According to realtor.com, Ketchum's median home listing price is $2.1 million, citing the area's popular options for outdoor recreation and sports.
The five-bedroom mansion was on the market in 2018 for $15,995,000, before the price was cut to $12,999,000 in 2019. The Ketchum home was taken off the market in February of 2020 before returning more than two years later.
A monthly payment for the $19.75 million home is $87,540 and the total due at close is more than $4.7 million on realtor.com. Sun Valley Associates' Jed Gray is in charge of the listing.
The log-styled home is on three parcels and is only a few minutes away from downtown Ketchum. The living room's fireplace reaches from the floor to the ceiling and also includes a built-in bar.
Due to the nature of living close to the Sun Valley Resort, the mansion's four-car garage includes additional storage for outdoor sports equipment. | true | true | both | www.idahopress | 20220402 |
https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/man-killed-in-caldwell-in-possible-road-rage-shooting/article_d3da6648-0a20-58e9-a54e-5b78e68e790e.html | Country
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People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe | true | true | both | www.idahopress | 20220402 |
https://www.idahopress.com/news/state/police-and-prosecutors-contending-with-massive-amount-of-evidence-complexities-of-case-as-downard-funeral/article_898a976c-a8f1-5a57-a41c-95b4bfb1e150.html | POCATELLO — Police and prosecutors want the public to know that the Downard Funeral Home investigation is far from being a cold case.
Ever since Pocatello police executed a search warrant at the North Garfield Avenue funeral home last year, the case has been a top priority, authorities said.
But the massive volume of evidence collected by police, ranging from decomposing bodies to fetuses in jars to thousands of pages of documents at the funeral home, and the complexities of a case that is unique in every way mean that it will be several months before a decision is made by the Bannock County Prosecutor's Office on whether criminal charges should be filed, prosecutors said.
There has been much speculation about what happened at Downard and Pocatello police said they want to debunk some of those claims. Police said they have found no evidence that empty caskets were buried or that bodies are missing.
Other than the 12 decomposing bodies found at the funeral home during the execution of the search warrant, police said they believe all of the bodies brought to Downard were buried or cremated.
Pocatello police executed a search warrant at Downard on Sept. 3, 2021, the same day that Lance Peck, who co-owns the business with his wife, surrendered his license to operate the funeral home to the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses.
Authorities said they started to look into Downard after receiving multiple complaints about the funeral home, including reports of foul smells and decomposing bodies being left out in the open.
Police said that since the search warrant was executed, one Pocatello police detective has been assigned full-time to the Downard investigation, working on only that case.
This detective has organized all of the Downard evidence into a massive spreadsheet, police said.
Police said the volume of evidence in the case is so large and complex that the spreadsheet was needed to inventory and organize it.
Police said Peck initially cooperated with them on the investigation but has since stopped cooperating.
Peck has thus far not commented on the investigation into his funeral home, which has remained shut down since the search warrant was executed.
Police said there has never been anything like the Downard case in Idaho history and there have only been a few cases similar to it nationwide. This has added to the complexity and duration of the investigation, police said.
"The case is an anomaly," Pocatello police Capt. Bill Collins said.
The execution of the search warrant at Downard by Pocatello police revealed the 12 bodies in various stages of decomposition as well as approximately 50 fetuses in jars and dozens of unidentified cremated remains, police said.
Police were eventually able to positively identify the 12 bodies and determine that the fetuses were part of a biological science collection donated from the University of Utah to Idaho State University and then to Downard for destruction. But they were never destroyed, police said.
Authorities said identifying the 30-40 sets of cremated remains found at Downard will be difficult.
Police said they also confiscated thousands of documents from Downard and going through all of those pages took several months. All of the documents are being digitized to help prosecutors review the material.
Collins said executing the search warrant at Downard took an emotional toll on the police and other responders who were at the funeral home over multiple days.
He said police have the same concerns about what happened at Downard as people in the community do.
The question of whether the case rises to the level of criminal charges being filed will be answered by prosecutors in the months to come. | true | true | both | www.idahopress | 20220402 |
https://www.idahopress.com/blueturfsports/boise-state-guard-emmanuel-akot-enters-the-transfer-portal/article_2ecc0046-5e91-504d-8855-8f5a9ab07914.html | As Boise State's season ended with an NCAA Tournament loss to Memphis, it seemed Emmanuel Akot’s future included two options.
1. Return to the Broncos for one more season.
2. Begin his professional career. Declare for the NBA Draft, try to make a roster and, if that doesn’t work out, begin making money overseas.
On Friday, The Idaho Press confirmed Akot chose door No. 3, entering his name in the transfer portal. The 6-foot-8, 210-pound guard can still return to Boise State for his last season of eligibility, but the move is still unexpected.
After transferring to coach Leon Rice’s squad from Arizona in 2019, the former five-star prospect finally showcased his ability in the Treasure Valley. The Broncos moved Akot to his preferred position of point guard and gave him freedom on the court.
His length and shot creation helped Boise State blossom this season. The Broncos won the Mountain West outright, took first in the conference tournament and made the NCAA Tournament with Akot starting most of the time.
He averaged over 10 points a game, despite dealing with a knee injury for a good chunk of conference play. When he began to get healthy, Akot showed how dominant he can be. In the Mountain West Tournament, the Canadian scored 43 points while shooting just under 50%.
“Last year he played — probably was one of the only players in the country that actually played one through five,” Rice said of Akot. “His versatility gives us such freedom to use all the other guys in different ways that let them play to their strengths.” | true | true | both | www.idahopress | 20220402 |
https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/session-results-what-came-out-of-the-81-day-idaho-legislative-session/article_b2fe8967-7bdf-5cfd-bad2-eb60c756f74b.html | BOISE – This year’s Idaho legislative session saw some surprisingly big accomplishments, including major education and infrastructure investments that will be felt for generations, along with much time spent on culture-wars battles, some of which also led to passage of far-reaching legislation.
Idaho became the first state to follow Texas and enact an abortion lawsuits law, empowering family members of a fetus aborted before six weeks to sue doctors for a minimum of $20,000 in damages each. GOP Gov. Brad Little signed the bill into law despite writing that he feared it “will in short order be proven both unconstitutional and unwise.” Legal challenges were quick to follow; the first lawsuit was filed Wednesday.
Lawmakers spent weeks debating criminalizing parents who allow their children to receive gender-related medical treatment and librarians who allow minors to check out “harmful” materials, and far-reaching election changes, from banning ballot drop boxes to cracking down on voters for switching parties. But none of those proposals became law. Many passed the House, only to die in the Senate without hearings.
The farthest-reaching impacts of this year’s legislative session likely will be financial, with unprecedented boosts to funding for everything from education, including a major increase in early-literacy funds that’s sufficient to cover optional full-day kindergarten statewide; to water, sewer and wastewater upgrades across the state in the hundreds of millions; to Idaho’s first-ever investment in affordable housing development, at $50 million.
The state had a record-busting $1.9 billion budget surplus this year, plus up to $2.5 billion in federal aid funds that are going out to all states to help them recover from the global coronavirus pandemic.
Senate President Pro Tem Chuck Winder, R-Boise, called this year’s session “historic,” saying, “The ability to … put some surplus money as well as federal money into transportation, clean water, workforce and education is going to pay dividends for generations to come.”
The Legislature and governor also enacted the biggest tax cut in state history, approving a record $600 million in individual and corporate income tax cuts and rebates, with the wealthiest individuals and corporations getting the lion’s share.
Because it was approved early in the legislative session, that pulled the rug out from other popular tax relief proposals, from removing Idaho’s 6% sales tax from groceries to providing property tax relief to homeowners hard-hit by soaring home values.
Complained House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel, D-Boise, “Every time this legislature has two dimes to rub together, this is what we see. ... The wealthy and well-connected are showered with money and there are scraps for the people that need it.” She said, “The ball was once again dropped on property tax relief.”
The governor signed the income tax cut bill, HB 436, into law on Feb. 4; just four days later, he signed another major piece of legislation, HB 443, to bring health insurance for Idaho school teachers and staff up to par with that of state employees at a cost of more than $105 million a year. Backers called it a “game changer” for Idaho teacher recruitment and retention.
“I think there was wisdom in our clearing some of the big issues up in the first weeks,” said House Speaker Scott Bedke, R-Oakley. “Sometimes you can do that, sometimes you can’t. When you can do that, going forward, you should.”
Bedke said that’s his advice to his successors; Idaho’s longest-serving House speaker, he’s stepping down from the Legislature this year to run for lieutenant governor.
Here are some of the highlights from this year’s 81-day legislative session:
BILLS THAT DIED
Numerous controversial bills that passed the House died without hearings in the Senate, many of them in the Senate State Affairs Committee, chaired by retiring longtime Sen. Patti Anne Lodge, R-Huston.
Among those: HB 475, eliminating a longstanding law on private militias; HB 439, requiring unaffiliated voters to affiliate with a party by March 11 this year or not be able to vote in the May 17 closed GOP primary; HB 666, to criminalize librarians if a minor checks out “harmful” materials; and HB 675, imposing felony penalties on parents of trans youth who allow them to receive hormone treatment, and also on their doctors.
In addition, more than 60 changes to election laws were introduced, but most didn’t pass; several stalled in Lodge’s committee, including proposals to ban ballot drop-off boxes and make big changes in Idaho’s voter identification and registration rules.
Other House-passed bills that died in the Senate panel included measures on masks and immunizations.
“I get beat up for holding bills, and nothing’s held here that I don’t talk over with the committee members and the caucus,” Lodge told the Idaho Press. She said she also researches every bill she gets, and talks with other lawmakers and interested parties, “so that I can make the best decision based on all the information. … That’s why I’m here till 10 or 11 at night.”
Lodge said HB 675, criminalizing treatment for trans youth, interfered with parental rights, among other issues. “I don’t like the idea that this Legislature wants to be in charge of everything,” she said. “They don’t want government interference until they do want it. … They turn around and want the government to interfere with parental rights.”
She noted that throughout her Senate career, she’s supported a Followers of Christ group in her district that objects to the use of modern medicine on religious grounds, including for their children, believing members will go to hell if they partake of modern medicine. “I’ve stood up tall for the Followers out in my area because they really do have a religious objection,” Lodge said, “and you can’t stand tall for that and not stand tall for any other parents that are making different decisions about their children.”
“Adolescence is a tough time,” said Lodge, a former educator. “You have to be engaged.”
“Are we going to save kids’ lives, are we going to try to help them be the best they possibly can be, or are we going to be a state that has rights for some but not for others?” she asked.
On HB 666 on librarians, Lodge recalled her own experience checking out books to children, and how she’d go through them to make sure there weren’t any torn pages and talk to the child about the book. Additional information showed the bill as written wasn’t workable, she said. “I’ve never seen a bill come back that hasn’t been better.”
“It’s the same thing on unaffiliated voters – 310,000 people are unaffiliated,” she said, citing the January figure published by the Idaho Secretary of State’s office. “Many of them are unaffiliated because they just don’t want to be active and involved and get all the stuff from the parties. Our Idaho people are independent.”
Lodge said she took lots of heat on ballot dropoff boxes, but said, “They’re helping disabled people and our elderly people and those with small children.” She did hold a full hearing in her committee on a Senate bill that would have banned those.
“They think that what’s happening someplace else is happening here,” Lodge said. “This is Idaho. We’re different. … Why are we taking legislation that fixes things that aren’t a problem in Idaho? … Our elections are secure.”
One election bill that did pass: Legislation calling for regular post-election audits, as a preventive move against any irregularities. Gov. Brad Little’s proposal easily passed both houses and was signed into law.
On bills to forbid any future mask mandates, Lodge said, “That’s over with. If something were to outbreak, in prisons, they need to be able to protect everybody, hospitals, businesses. Why limit the ability for our society because some people don’t want to wear a mask?”
On HB 475 on private militias, Lodge said, “The perception was why that was held, because it seemed like militias would be able to form. It’s covered in other parts” of state law, she said. But, she said, “It could’ve ended up being more of a problem because of that perception.”
House State Affairs Committee Chairman Brent Crane, R-Nampa, held four Senate-passed bills in his committee, killing them without hearings, in retaliation for Lodge’s moves. Those included two significant campaign finance transparency bills sponsored by Lodge and the Idaho Secretary of State’s office.
“Ultimately, I made the decision that if they’re not willing to move our bills, I just was not going to move their bills as well,” Crane said. “If the Senate’s going to hold up House bills, I’m sorry, but the jersey I wear is the House jersey, and I’m going to bat for the House team.”
“I finally made the decision that enough is enough,” Crane declared.
EDUCATION
Kurt Liebich, president of Idaho’s State Board of Education, called this year’s session one that “made a real difference for public education at all levels.” With all legislative actions this year taken into account, Idaho’s K-12 public school budget will see a 12.5% increase in state funding next year, a $258 million boost. In total funds, it’s up 6.7%. That includes major increases in teacher pay, plus $1,000 bonuses this year for all school employees; a $105 million a year boost to state funding for teacher health insurance; and a $47 million increase in early literacy funds, which is enough to cover optional full-day kindergarten statewide. School districts will decide whether to offer that or use the money for other early-reading programs.
The budget for Idaho’s four-year colleges and universities saw an 8% increase in state general funds, and community colleges got a 9.9% boost in state funds.
Lawmakers also agreed to expand physician training residency programs from Coeur d’Alene to Pocatello, adding 21 new residencies; and to fund $170 million in deferred maintenance Idaho public higher education institutions as part of its Permanent Building Fund budget.
“The citizens of Idaho have hundreds of millions of dollars invested in our campuses, and the funding made available this year will go a long way in helping us keep our higher education asset functioning,” Liebich said.
Lawmakers also received a new report from their Office of Performance Evaluations on K-12 school buildings, which found serious deficiencies. The 103-page report estimated it would cost roughly $1 billion to bring all schools up to “good” condition, and called for a new statewide assessment of school facilities. Lawmakers haven’t yet acted on that.
SOME REALLY BIG NUMBERS
Idaho was allocated roughly $2.5 billion in federal aid funds through the American Rescue Plan Act, and lawmakers this year appropriated or allocated about $1.5 billion of that to be spent either within the current budget year, or in the next fiscal year, which starts July 1. That leaves another $1 billion or so, but it’s not lost yet; the vast majority of those funds have to be spent by 2026, so they’ll still have another crack at them next year.
They also had access to an unprecedented state budget surplus and new funding from Congress for infrastructure.
Among the major items funded:
• WATER AND SEWER UPGRADES: Communities across the state will benefit from $300 million in ARPA funds set aside for local water, wastewater or sewer plant upgrades, with priority going to rural communities; $60 million of that will go out next year. Lawmakers also allocated $106 million from another federal source, the bipartisan infrastructure bill Congress passed this year, for safe drinking and wastewater systems in Idaho, plus $44 million in state general funds. That nearly $500 million investment should go a long way toward addressing struggles Idaho communities large and small have faced with scarce funding for needed upgrades, including to address growth, deteriorating systems, and public health and safety.
• TRANSPORTATION: At the urging of Gov. Brad Little, lawmakers allocated $200 million in state general funds next year to fix deteriorating bridges around the state. The one-time allocation will allow local governments to wipe off a third of Idaho’s backlog of 966 local bridges that are either more than 50 years old, their expected lifespan; are closed; or have weight limits or other restrictions that impede commerce. There’s also $200 million more a year, split between state and local road jurisdictions, to address deferred maintenance. Combined with last year’s transportation funding package, that’s enough to fully fund road maintenance needs in Idaho estimated by a 2020 Boise State University study, “Moving Idaho Forward,” at roughly $240 million a year.
• OTHER BIG TICKETS: Flush with surplus cash, lawmakers approved $100 million to pay off bonded indebtedness on road construction projects, saving on interest; and $175.8 million to pay off nearly all existing debt for state building projects, which by itself saved the state an estimated $63 million in interest while lowering state agency budgets that otherwise would have included bond payments each year. They approved $368.5 million for major capital projects, including a new $112 million state prison; allocated $244 million to deferred maintenance on state facilities statewide; and bolstered Idaho’s rainy-day savings funds by $311 million, bringing both the Budget Stabilization Fund and Public Education Stabilization Fund to their statutory limits, a total of $1.1 billion.
Also approved this year: $75 million to upgrade Idaho’s state veterans homes to all single rooms with private baths, the new U.S. standard; $50 million for “Empowering Parents” grants to help families with education-related costs; and $50 million for initiatives advanced by the Idaho Behavioral Health Council, a joint effort of all three branches of Idaho’s state government, including new treatment facilities and youth crisis centers.
Add to that $50 million for workforce training in in-demand professions; $50 million for broadband access expansion statewide; $38 million for emergency rental assistance; $15 million for child care infrastructure grants; additional amounts for upgrades to state parks, senior centers and more; and $50 million for Idaho’s first-ever investment in affordable housing development, after 30 years with no funding in the state’s housing trust fund. Those ARPA funds will be administered by the Idaho Housing and Finance Association to cover gap financing for 1,000 new affordable homes.
PROPERTY TAX RELIEF
There was lots of talk leading up to the session about property tax relief, but the only major proposal introduced, HB 741 from Sen. Jim Rice, R-Caldwell, to raise the sales tax to 7.85% while eliminating most property tax for homeowners and increasing the grocery tax exemption by $75, never advanced. Rice estimated it’d cut property taxes for homeowners by roughly two-thirds, or $750 million. It also would have raised Idaho’s 6% sales tax by more than 30%.
Several smaller-scale proposals did pass, including:
• HB 735a, which would provide $34 million a year in state funding to counties for the next two years while eliminating the current property tax-funded medical indigency program. The bill also calls for the state to pick up costs for public defense, rather than counties, though starting in 2025, state sales tax funds that otherwise would flow to cities and counties through revenue sharing would help pay for that.
Idaho Association of Counties Executive Director Seth Grigg says HB 735a will result in a 5% to 6% reduction in county property taxes, or $34 million a year.
• HB 550, bipartisan legislation from Reps. John Gannon, D-Boise, and Mike Moyle, R-Star, to allow cities the option of providing property tax rebates with city funds to homeowners who qualify for the existing “circuit breaker” property tax relief program for needy seniors. The move was welcomed by Boise Mayor Lauren McLean, who called it “a meaningful way to provide significant property tax relief to Boiseans who need it most.”
• HB 481, which would partially soften the blow of last year’s HB 389 on needy seniors who otherwise would lose the circuit breaker, because HB 389 disqualifies them if their homes are worth more than 125% of the county’s median home value. HB 481 raises that to 150% or $300,000, but still doesn’t cover all the otherwise qualified circuit breaker recipients would lose the break; an estimated 625 existing recipients still would be disqualified based on their home values alone.
• HB 788, the portion of the public school budget for Children’s Programs, increases early literacy funding by $46.7 million a year, which school districts could tap to fund optional full-day kindergarten or other early reading interventions. Because many school districts currently fund full-day kindergarten programs through supplemental property tax levies, that would bring property tax relief in those districts.
• SB 1259 would exempt Medicaid payments to operators of certified care homes for people with disabilities from the income calculations for the circuit breaker, meaning needy seniors who care for up to four patients in their home wouldn’t lose their eligibility for the property tax reduction as they do now. While providing about $350,000 in property tax relief, the care homes save the state $300 million a year it would otherwise spend to institutionalize those patients.
House Majority Leader Mike Moyle, R-Star, said, “We did do several things on the edges on property tax. There’s going to be more to do. The big one that I would prefer, when we take it off of everybody, and move the sales tax up a little bit, if I'm re-elected we’ll push that further.”
BALANCE OF POWER
While last year the Legislature pushed back against the executive branch, disputing and trimming back the governor’s emergency powers, this year’s clash between branches came late in the session when lawmakers sought to give the governor much more power over the judicial branch, by making big changes to the Idaho Judicial Council and the judge appointment process.
The bill, HB 782, passed both houses, but was vetoed by Gov. Brad Little. It sought to expand the Idaho Judicial Council, which vets nominees for open judge positions and also handles judicial discipline and other matters, from seven to 11 members and have the governor appoint 10 of the 11; he currently appoints three of the seven. It also would have allowed the governor to reject a slate of nominees from the council for a judge opening and demand an all-new one with no repeats.
Lodge was among senators debating against the bill in the Senate. “Let's put some thought into this,” she urged her Senate colleagues. “Last year it was the executive branch that we were looking at and trying to change some of the powers of the executive branch, and now we're looking at the judiciary. Good senators, think about this. Give this some thought. ... We need to have the branch that's being considered in this legislation have an opportunity for more input."
Many lawmakers are nursing resentment toward the courts over last year’s Idaho Supreme Court decision invalidating their anti-initiative legislation on constitutional grounds, and for rejecting challenges this fall to a legislative redistricting plan that is forcing some incumbent lawmakers to face off in the May primary. Others are still upset that former longtime Senate Majority Leader Bart Davis wasn’t among the Judicial Council’s nominations for an Idaho Supreme Court opening last spring, when the council put forth an all-female slate of nominees and the governor appointed Justice Colleen Zahn.
Winder said he initially rejected the request from Idaho Supreme Court Chief Justice Richard Bevan that lawmakers participate in a broad-based study over the next year rather than pass legislation right now. "My response to the chief justice was let's see how this plays out in the Legislature, and then we can see if we want to do a study afterwards," he said.
Last year, lawmakers “did try to provide some balance of power,” Winder said, and he said that’s continuing.
On the session’s final day on Thursday, Bedke said he was reluctant to appoint House members to the court panel, which is set to include lawmakers, judges, attorneys and members of the public. “I don’t think that the citizens of the state are well-served when all three branches do a working group,” he said. “The legislative branch are the policy-setters, the lawmakers.”
Because raises for judges next year were rolled into HB 782, and the Senate declined to take up a separate bill still pending on its calendar just to fund raises for judges next year, lawmakers ended their session having approved raises for every other class of state employees next year except for judges, despite a judicial recruitment crisis on which lawmakers were repeatedly briefed this year.
THE SESSION THAT WAS
Overall, Winder said, “This really wasn’t a bad session.”
“You think about last year and all the things we went through with COVID, the extended session, the fears and concerns that were expressed. … The public felt safer coming into the building this year.” Plus, he noted, “Remote testimony that was established during COVID played well.”
Rubel said, “I was pleased at some of the really dangerous stuff that got stopped – jailing librarians, locking up parents of transgender children, making it impossible for young people to vote.”
But she particularly decried SB 1309, the abortion lawsuits law. “Turning a woman’s family members into abortion informants for pay and profit feels like something you would see in North Korea, and not in Idaho,” she said.
Little had high praise for the session, saying in a statement, “In all my years, I have never seen a more successful legislative session that produced so many positive results for the people we serve.”
“We’ve done a lot of good things,” Moyle said. “Sometimes the good things we do get lost in the minutiae of things that people aren’t happy about.” | true | true | both | www.idahopress | 20220403 |
https://www.idahopress.com/townnews/sport/mike-prater-boise-state-roster-loaded-with-nfl-potential-as-avalos-reloads/article_6b0277b6-b06d-50fa-9d24-935b0613d66c.html | The Boise State football season ended more than four months ago, and it’s been a painful four months.
Five-loss seasons are brutal around here, mostly because they are rare, and they hurt.
In a world consumed by social media, five-loss seasons are a fuel for angst, and when a football season ends in November for the first time in 20 years, everybody stinks.
There is good news ... inspiring news for those of you still hurting.
The 2022 roster, on paper, is much more talented than the 2021 roster.
The 2021 roster had one NFL player.
The 2022 roster could have five-plus NFL players, maybe up to 10, possibly 10-plus.
It’s loaded with potential, promise and power.
It’s a roster of hope, a sign that Boise State football could return to its championship form, starting with the Oregon State opener in five months.
Andy Avalos, typically guarded with his words like most coaches, agrees. Could there be 10-plus NFL guys on this roster?
“I don’t ever want to put a number on that, but only time could tell. Yeah, it could be,’’ Avalos said this week.
Pro football, specifically the NFL, was a thing on campus this past week as Boise State hosted its annual Pro Day: Eight former Broncos worked out for several pro organizations, scouts, assistant coaches and player personnel executives.
The goal is to land in the NFL Draft later this month, or in a camp this spring or summer. Wide receiver Khalil Shakir is a lock; his seven former teammates are not.
That alone is an indication of a thin roster.
Chris Petersen produced 20 draft picks during his eight-year run as head coach — an average of 2.5 per season.
The Bryan Harsin regime produced 14 draft picks in seven years — an average of 2.0 per season.
Avalos has one after his first season, in part because Harsin and his staff didn’t leave behind a lot of high-level talent when they battled through COVID recruiting and eventually bolted for Auburn.
Avalos has one major priority this offseason: Rebuild the roster with elite talent and dependable depth.
“There’s no question, there’s a lot of talent on this roster. And there are guys who are developing and have already made a huge jump through the nine practices in spring ball,’’ he said Wednesday during Pro Day.
Avalos talked about a boost in winter conditioning. He talked about players studying film, building knowledge of their game and their position.
He’s impressed with the results.
“And we have four more months for these guys to continue to grow and improve, and so that number, yeah, do we feel very confident about that? That’s what we’ve been aiming to do, is build depth, not just in the fronts, but all positions,’’ he said.
So here’s the list, the unofficial list, my broad list of potential NFL players on Boise State’s current roster ...
Defense: Safeties JL Skinner and Tyreque Jones, cornerbacks Markel Reed, Caleb Biggers and Tyric LeBeauf, linemen Scott Matlock, Shane Irwin and Jackson Cravens, EDGE rushers Demitri Washington, Isaiah Bagnah and George Tarlas.
Offense: Running back George Holani, wide receiver/returner Stef Cobbs, tight ends Tyneil Hopper and Riley Smith, linemen John Ojukwu, Ben Dooley, Garrett Curran and Cade Beresford.
Special teams: Kicker Jonah Dalmas.
The Boise State program record for players selected in one NFL Draft is six (2012). Obviously, there are no guarantees of anything close to that type of success. Players will fall off this list, others could join.
Bottom line: Initial roster talent is obvious, and Avalos said conversations are happening right now as players prepare for this fall — and beyond.
“I’m going to be honest with you guys, we’re not going to have those conversations with you guys ... but we have them with our players,’’ he said. “It’s an understanding between us. We keep it tight and make sure that we’re organized in what we’re doing, and make sure that the guys understand.
“What does it look like? What did it look like for Shak last year at this time? Those are conversations behind the scenes, and we are going to have a lot of guys participating in (Pro Day) next year.’’
By the way, quarterback Hank Bachmeier didn’t make the list. He’s poised to start his fourth consecutive season; previous four-year starters Kellen Moore and Brett Rypien both made it to the NFL.
Bachmeier improves every year, and 2022 will determine his future as a professional football player. Right now, he might not even be the best pro prospect in the Broncos’ quarterback room.
Freshman Taylen Green anyone? He was the Boise State quarterback on the field this past week for Pro Day, the designated passer during wide receiver drills.
Green’s size, athleticism and arm strength will intrigue NFL decision-makers, more so than Bachmeier, but let’s save that conversation for another day.
Mike Prater is the Idaho Press sports columnist and co-hosts Idaho Sports Talk on KTIK 95.3 FM every Monday-Friday from 3-6 p.m. and Bronco Game Night after every Boise State football game on KBOI 670 AM. He can be found on Twitter @MikeFPrater and can be reached at mikefprater@gmail.com. | true | true | both | www.idahopress | 20220403 |
https://www.idahopress.com/townnews/work/larry-gebert-long-time-ktvb-meteorologist-and-idaho-philanthropist-dies-at-65/article_a522a6b5-bc68-5fe9-872e-d3366bfb70eb.html | Editor's note: Longtime KTVB meteorologist Larry Gebert passed away early Friday morning at the age of 65. Gebert was a fixture in the local community, and his death sent shockwaves through the Treasure Valley. Condolences were shared on social media Saturday from figures such as Gov. Brad Little, to Idaho State Police, to former colleagues penning personal thoughts and messages. Here, KTVB paid tribute to a man the station said exuded professionalism, commitment, and storytelling expertise to his audience each and every day.
BOISE — Loss is hard to define. It’s so personal. It’s sometimes impossible to put into words. At this difficult time, we struggle to express the enormous grief we are feeling at KTVB.
Meteorologist and philanthropist Larry Gebert passed away peacefully Friday evening surrounded by his loving family after suffering complications from a heart attack.
Larry adored his family. They were priority number one. He would water ski across the Atlantic Ocean if any of them needed anything. Anything at all, even if it was just a bite of his famous prime rib.
He adored his KTVB family. Throughout his 30 years at the station, Larry was always there to lend an ear, some manual labor, a ride, some solid advice, or a really long story that didn’t actually have anything to do with the original conversation, but it helped take your mind off your woes. As for the weather forecasting, he gave his absolute best every day to keep you and your family safe. A true pro.
Larry adored service. His fingerprints are all over this community as he was a man of great charity. He would put on his khakis and sneakers and go wherever a non-profit needed his help. Every year he would host/emcee/auctioneer dozens of fundraisers. One year he said he helped 86 different events. The other years, it was probably around 84 or 85. He helped charities in our area raise millions of dollars. He set the standard for all of us to be highly engaged in our community, not to just cover our community. He was the personification of KTVB’s commitment to community service. We will honor Larry by continuing that level of commitment.
Larry Gebert was a large man, 6’6”, a large personality, and an inestimably large part of our TV family. He was a true character and a good, genuine soul.
As much as he could take a joke, nobody was quicker with a joke about himself than Larry - his moustache, his dockers, Flat Larry, or his stories. He knew who he was, and he never failed to show his joy for it. His passions included time spent with his loved-ones water skiing, cruising, camping, and coaching youth football. He’d have coworkers over for Christmas morning, Thanksgiving dinner, or take them out on his boat and teach them to water ski. He loved to give them a family away from family when they moved here without one.
We will remember him for all of it, but we will always love him for his heart, kindness, support, friendship, and dedication.
There will simply never be another like him.
Details regarding celebration of life services will be announced in the coming days. Cards can be delivered to KTVB. Donations for charity in Larry’s honor can be given to the 7Cares Idaho Shares fund.
Larry was the subject of a feature on KTVB earlier this year during Meteorologists Week.
Larry Gebert began his broadcasting career in 1977 working for a radio station while he was completing his degree at Carroll College in Helena, Montana. He began working in television the following year in Great Falls, Montana as a sports reporter where he eventually became News Director in 1980. He also worked in Billings, Montana for three years before moving to Boise in 1983.
Larry has been with Idaho's NewsChannel 7 since 1992 working as a meteorologist.
Larry's immediate family includes wife Julie, sons Austin, Michael and David, and daughter-in-laws Nicole and Ashley.
This story originally was published on KTVB.COM | true | true | both | www.idahopress | 20220403 |
https://www.idahopress.com/sports/local-roundup-idaho-falls-on-the-road-to-florida/article_2054366f-4bcb-5dc3-9253-ee2efb13adf9.html | The Idaho Steelheads will head home from their trip to Florida with five games against Mountain Division-leading Utah.
Three of the games are at home beginning Wednesday.
The Steelheads (35-29-3) have some work to do to secure a playoff berth.
After playing two tough periods Saturday, Idaho watched a 1-0 lead slip away as the Florida Everblades scored three in the final period for a 3-1 victory.
Forward Will Merchant gave Idaho a 1-0 lead in the second period. Merchant converted on a 2-on-1 rush with a back door one-timmer at 15:56.
COLLEGE
SOFTBALL
UNLV STOPS BRONCOS AGAIN: After the Rebels snapped Boise State's winning streak on Friday, they topped the Broncos 7-3 at Dona Larsen Park.
Redshirt senior Eliyah Flores led Boise State (27-7, 6-2), going 2 for 3 with a solo homer.
UNLV (26-6, 4-1) hit four homers to move into third place, knocking the Broncos into fourth.
"We are letting moments get too big for us," Boise State coach Justin Shults said. "For the second day in a row UNLV played good softball and we lost our composure in a couple of crucial situations."
HIGH SCHOOL
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SOFTBALL
HOMEDALE 13-9, MARSH VALLEY 2-5: The Trojans swept Marsh Valley in a nonleague doubleheader.
Dani Sitts went 3 for 4 with five RBI to lead Homedale in the opener. She also was the winning pitcher with a three-hitter and 13 strikeouts.
Pitcher Olivia Asumendi had 11 strikeouts in seven innings in the second game.
MELBA 7-12, GRANGEVILLE 6-6: The Mustangs swept the Bulldogs in a nonleague doubleheader.
BASEBALL
NAMPA CHRISTIAN 16-10, GOODING 0-0: The Trojans (10-2) dominated the Senators in a nonleague doubleheader.
Landon Mills and Brayden Schaefer combined for a no-hitter in the opener. Nampa Christian scored 11 runs in the fourth.
In the second game, Landon Cheney went 4 for 4 with a triple and a double and three RBI to lead the Trojans.
PAYETTE 12, COLE VALLEY 2, 6 INNINGS: The Pirates scored five runs in the sixth to end the nonleague game early. | true | true | both | www.idahopress | 20220403 |
https://www.idahopress.com/townnews/work/larry-gebert-longtime-ktvb-meteorologist-and-idaho-philanthropist-dies-at-65/article_a522a6b5-bc68-5fe9-872e-d3366bfb70eb.html | Editor’s note: Longtime KTVB meteorologist Larry Gebert died Friday at the age of 65. Gebert was a fixture in the local community, and his death sent shockwaves through the Treasure Valley. Condolences were shared on social media Saturday from figures such as Gov. Brad Little, to Idaho State Police, to former colleagues penning personal thoughts and messages. Here, KTVB paid tribute to a man the station said exuded professionalism, commitment, and storytelling expertise to his audience each and every day.
BOISE — Loss is hard to define. It’s so personal. It’s sometimes impossible to put into words. At this difficult time, we struggle to express the enormous grief we are feeling at KTVB.
Meteorologist and philanthropist Larry Gebert passed away peacefully Friday evening surrounded by his loving family after suffering complications from a heart attack.
Larry adored his family. They were priority number one. He would water ski across the Atlantic Ocean if any of them needed anything. Anything at all, even if it was just a bite of his famous prime rib.
He adored his KTVB family. Throughout his 30 years at the station, Larry was always there to lend an ear, some manual labor, a ride, some solid advice, or a really long story that didn’t actually have anything to do with the original conversation, but it helped take your mind off your woes. As for the weather forecasting, he gave his absolute best every day to keep you and your family safe. A true pro.
Larry adored service. His fingerprints are all over this community as he was a man of great charity. He would put on his khakis and sneakers and go wherever a non-profit needed his help. Every year he would host/emcee/auctioneer dozens of fundraisers. One year he said he helped 86 different events. The other years, it was probably around 84 or 85. He helped charities in our area raise millions of dollars. He set the standard for all of us to be highly engaged in our community, not to just cover our community. He was the personification of KTVB’s commitment to community service. We will honor Larry by continuing that level of commitment.
Larry Gebert was a large man, 6’6”, a large personality, and an inestimably large part of our TV family. He was a true character and a good, genuine soul.
As much as he could take a joke, nobody was quicker with a joke about himself than Larry — his moustache, his dockers, Flat Larry, or his stories. He knew who he was, and he never failed to show his joy for it. His passions included time spent with his loved-ones water skiing, cruising, camping, and coaching youth football. He’d have coworkers over for Christmas morning, Thanksgiving dinner, or take them out on his boat and teach them to water ski. He loved to give them a family away from family when they moved here without one.
We will remember him for all of it, but we will always love him for his heart, kindness, support, friendship, and dedication.
There will simply never be another like him.
Details regarding celebration of life services will be announced in the coming days. Cards can be delivered to KTVB. Donations for charity in Larry’s honor can be given to the 7Cares Idaho Shares fund.
Larry was the subject of a feature on KTVB earlier this year during Meteorologists Week.
Larry Gebert began his broadcasting career in 1977 working for a radio station while he was completing his degree at Carroll College in Helena, Montana. He began working in television the following year in Great Falls, Montana as a sports reporter where he eventually became News Director in 1980. He also worked in Billings, Montana for three years before moving to Boise in 1983.
Larry has been with Idaho’s NewsChannel 7 since 1992 working as a meteorologist.
Larry’s immediate family includes wife Julie, sons Austin, Michael and David, and daughter-in-laws Nicole and Ashley. | true | true | both | www.idahopress | 20220403 |
https://www.idahopress.com/community/community_columns/tim-woodward-adventures-of-a-one-armed-man/article_f88305d5-b384-5abe-8a64-749d98386c2f.html | One of my favorite possessions for the last few weeks isn’t a material possession.
It isn’t something worth a lot of money or a possession treasured for its sentimental value.
It isn’t something you’d put your hands on, unless you’re a family member or a close personal friend.
It’s my left arm.
It’s surprising how we take things for granted, even body parts, until we don’t have them or can’t use them any more.
Last year, my left shoulder started to hurt. It didn’t seem particularly worrisome; the right shoulder and both knees had hurt in the past and gotten better. I figured the same thing would happen again.
It didn’t. It got to the point that I couldn’t lift my arm without it hurting. Sometimes, for no better reason than a slight, seemingly harmless movement while driving or riding in a car, the pain would strike with such intensity that the resulting shriek made fellow passengers wonder if I was having a stroke.
An MRI identified the problem as torn cartilage.
The doctor said it was common for old shoulder injuries to catch up with us. I may have hurt the shoulder playing football or baseball or skiing in my teens. Now it was collecting on an overdue debt.
A steroid injection didn’t help. Physical therapy didn’t help. The only option left: surgery.
In that I was lucky. The doctor and nurses at St. Luke’s Sports Medicine couldn’t have taken better care of me. The surgery went well; the prognosis was positive. All I had to do was wear a sling for a week, followed by physical therapy.
The worst part wasn’t the surgery. It wasn’t the anesthetic. It wasn’t even the pain. There was so little pain from the operation that the high-powered pills the doctor prescribed weren’t necessary.
The worst part, hands down: the sling. The seemingly simple act of wearing it literally kept me up nights.
We tend to think of slings as simple pieces of cloth that tie around the neck and are wide enough at the bottom to support an injured arm, which rests comfortably against the chest. The sort of sling seen in old movies.
The sling prescribed for my surgery had almost nothing in common with the old-fashioned variety. It was more of a combination sling and brace. The brace is secured with a strap around the waist and rests against the hip. The arm rests on the brace and sticks straight out at a 90-degree angle from the elbow.
Picture sleeping on your back with one of your arms sticking straight up all night. You can’t sleep in bed; you have to sleep sitting in a recliner.
If you’re a back sleeper, this might be at least marginally comfortable, arm pointing straight up notwithstanding. A side sleeper, I can’t sleep more than a few minutes on my back.
This meant that for a week I probably averaged two or three hours sleep a night. Just scooching onto the recliner and trying to get the pillow and blankets situated with one arm all but useless was a practically a gymnastics feat. It was a good thing my wife was two floors away, unable to hear the grunts, groans and increasingly colorful language.
Dressing oneself with an arm in a sling can be equally challenging. How, for example, do you put socks on with one hand?
Answer: With difficulty, accompanied by inordinate grumbling.
How do you wash your hands with one arm in a sling?
Answer: Same as above.
The sling can be removed for showering and dressing, but how do you get dressed when you can barely move one of your arms?
Answer: Same as above, with help from spouse.
It was a happy day when the physician’s assistant cleared me to “wean” myself off of the sling as she put it. The weaning lasted as long as it took to get to the car, take off the sling and drive over it.
Just kidding. I didn’t really drive over it, tempting as it was.
It was wonderful to get my arm back. Certain movements were forbidden, however, such as twisting a lid off of a jar. I dealt with a particularly stubborn lid by taking it to my workshop, putting it in a vise and twisting it off one-handed. It was the most use I’ve gotten out of that vise in months.
None of this is meant to be taken as whining. I’m lucky, actually, only having to be in the sling for a week. If the shoulder tear had been in the rotator cuff rather than the cartilage, it would have been six weeks.
And look at all the people who lose the use of an arm permanently. Compared with that, shoulder surgery is nothing.
With the sling no longer needed, the question was what to do with it. My first thought was a bonfire.
It was kind of expensive, though, and who knows when it might be needed again? Prudence dictated hanging on to it; I just don’t want to see it or think about it.
It’s resting comfortably now.
In the attic. | true | true | both | www.idahopress | 20220403 |
https://www.idahopress.com/community/good-day/good-day-camp-inventions-summer-stem-program-coming-to-nampa-area-location/article_107ea822-c5b9-57f5-ba05-76e42acc2dfd.html | NAMPA — Camp Invention, a nationally recognized, nonprofit summer enrichment program, is coming to several locations in Nampa this summer. A program of the National Inventors Hall of Fame (NIHF) in partnership with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, Camp Invention challenges children in grades K-6 to tap into their natural curiosity and use their creativity to solve problems.
Through hands-on activities, Camp Invention promotes STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) learning, builds confidence, leadership, perseverance and resourcefulness and encourages entrepreneurship.
The camp is coming to the following locations:
Willow Creek Elementary School the week of August 1 — August — 5. Regional program sponsors include Micron.
Barbara Morgan STEM Academy the week of June 20 — June — 24. Regional program sponsors include Micron.
Mary McPherson Elementary School the week of July 25 — July — 29. Regional program sponsors include Micron.
Lake Ridge Elementary the week of June 13 — June — 17. Regional program sponsors include Micron.
Each year, the program features a new curriculum inspired by some of our nation’s most world-changing inventors — the NIHF Hall of Famers. This year’s Explore program encourages children to be confident in their ideas and explore their innovativeness though hands-on activities including Robotic Aquatics, Spacecation, Marble Arcade and NIHF’s The Attic.
“The core learning experience that my girls received and the inspiration to look at items innovatively, pushing the boundaries of their imagination, and bringing it to life was awe-inspiring,” said the parent of 2021 campers. “They have benefited tremendously, learning they can make a difference in creating for the world they live in.”
All local Camp Invention programs are facilitated and taught by certified educators who reside and teach in the community. Camp Invention serves 130,000 students every year and partners with more than 1,800 schools and districts across the nation. For more information or to register, visit invent.org/camp. | true | true | both | www.idahopress | 20220403 |
https://www.idahopress.com/community/good-day/good-day-city-of-caldwell-presents-first-two-caldwell-community-hero-awards/article_43d63753-dc96-5cce-b77c-382df07edd91.html | CALDWELL — Two inaugural Caldwell Community Hero Awards were presented recently at Mayor Jarom Wagoner’s first State of the City address. The award, created by Wagoner, honors an individual, organization or business that has made significant contributions through dedicating their time, skills and special talents to making a difference in the community.
The first award was presented to Darigold, with Caldwell Plant Manager Rob Tiberino accepting the award.
“Darigold is an excellent community sponsor and helps the Fire Department with our annual breakfast event with free milk and the proceeds raised during this event goes to the burn out fund that is used to help families with the initial trauma of a fire,” said Caldwell Deputy Fire Chief Steven Donahue, who nominated Darigold for the award. “Darigold’s commitment to their employees, our City and community makes them a great recipient of this award.”
The second Community Hero Award was given to Majors Stephanie and Robyn Bridgeo from the Caldwell Salvation Army.
“Majors Robyn and Stephanie could be nominated for any one of the many ways they strengthen our community, but it’s their love for children and youth that is heroic every day in every way,” wrote Kelli Jenkins, who submitted the nomination.
Wagoner said, “I can’t begin to thank the Bridgeos enough for what they do and what they mean to our community, and the many others that serve our community selflessly. I honor all of you as well. Serving with a willing heart and open arms makes us all better people.” | true | true | both | www.idahopress | 20220403 |
https://www.idahopress.com/community/good-day/good-day-local-student-artists-will-see-their-masterpieces-in-motion-on-achd-sweeper-trucks/article_6ebd4157-506e-5d67-96b9-a38ee3822b75.html | Artwork by Bergen DeRosia, a ninth-grader at Renaissance High School, earned her the People’s Choice award in the Ada County Highway District Seasons of Transportation art contest.
Taelyn Baiza, a 10th-grader at Boise High School, won the Team Choice award for the Ada County Highway District Seasons of Transportation art contest.
Submitted photo
Artwork by Bergen DeRosia, a ninth-grader at Renaissance High School, earned her the People’s Choice award in the Ada County Highway District Seasons of Transportation art contest.
ADA COUNTY — Six student artists in Ada County will see their work displayed on Ada County Highway District street sweepers.
ACHD received 16 eligible artwork submissions from students from across Ada County in grades six through 12. The theme, “Seasons of Transportation,” focused on the variety of work ACHD does throughout the year. Artists chose one season, or all four seasons, to depict the important work that occurs during that time.
The artwork was posted on social media for members of the public to vote for their favorite. ACHD staff members also chose one of the winning pieces. The remaining artwork was scored by a panel of judges made up of ACHD staff members and artists involved in city art programs in Ada County.
The team choice winner was Taelyn Baiza, a 10th-grader at Boise High School. The people’s choice winner was Bergen DeRosia, a ninth-grader at Renaissance High School. The committee choice winners were: Sneha Sharma, grade 12, Timberline High School; Emmie Dinger, grade six, Lewis and Clark Middle School; Carolyn Thurman, grade eight, Lewis and Clark Middle School; and Clara Little, grade seven, Pi STEM Academy.
The winning artwork will be turned into a wrap and installed on an ACHD sweeper truck. The trucks will display the artwork across Ada County as part of ACHD’s street sweeping program.
Each winner received a $50 gift card, certificate and swag bag. Additionally, Director Wong presented the winning artists with an ACHD Director’s Challenge Coin. | true | true | both | www.idahopress | 20220403 |
https://www.idahopress.com/community/life/happy-100th-birthday-winnie/article_1a6726a2-9457-5c3c-b2e7-7bc0aaa5fb8f.html | Country
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https://www.idahopress.com/community/life/happy-90th-birthday-to-diane-m-briggs/article_7cd84c24-9a13-5727-93de-3c49e03269c4.html | Country
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https://www.idahopress.com/community/life/movie-guy-mediocre-morbius-finally-hits-theaters/article_381f8163-46e9-5d94-9137-c98f872d8696.html | The new comic book-inspired movie, “Morbius” was slated to be released several years ago, but producers decided to pull the film because of COVID-19. When it seemed like the pandemic was finally waning, producers scheduled a new release date for the movie.
Then they delayed the film again, and again, as variants wreaked havoc on their plans.
“Morbius” finally makes it into theaters this weekend, but it arrives without much of the buzz that it had when it was originally conceived. That is a shame, because this is one of those rare comic book movies that features a full-blooded central character and plenty of opportunity to make this into something more than just another mindless superhero film.
The opportunity was there, but the filmmakers did not seize it.
“Morbius” tells the story of a scientist (Jared Leto) who is dying from a rare blood condition. In a desperate attempt to cure the disease, he tracks down a cave of vampire bats and turns himself into a living vampire. The problem becomes that while the good doctor still wants to help mankind, he now suffers from an insatiable blood lust. Complicating matters is another patient (Matt Smith) who also wants the cure and doesn’t care how many humans he has to drink in the process.
This provides some intriguing character dilemmas. I’ve got to think that it would appeal to any actor who wanted to do something more than just don a silly costume and turn in a caricatured performance.
Which is why Jared Leto is such an interesting choice to play the central character. He’s an undeniably talented actor, but his low-key delivery style is ill-suited for much of this movie. I suppose that he was trying to build a sense of quiet dread around the character, but sometimes you need a little bombast to make these types of roles pop.
That is especially true for an adventure that clocks in at well under two hours. “Morbius” is so quickly paced that there isn’t much time to delve into the characters. This film is designed to be an exciting bit of popcorn filmmaking, but Leto is trying to something completely different.
There is a similar problem with the special effects work. The idea is that Morbius has echolocation as a superpower, so he’s surrounded by waves of color and blurry air. Those images work on an intellectual level, but it also makes it difficult to see what’s happening during these action sequences.
Despite all of this, I still enjoyed the film. Give the filmmakers credit for telling an interesting story and keeping the energy turned up the whole time. “Morbius” is one of those films that can suck you in while it’s playing up on the big screen. But when you think about the film in the cold light of day, you realize that “Morbius” is little more than a generic comic book flick that missed its chance to become something far more interesting. | true | true | both | www.idahopress | 20220403 |
https://www.idahopress.com/community/life/rick-justs-history-corner-kuna-cave/article_6efb3422-22cc-54ee-8ed3-38ddf5fe2743.html | It’s tempting to write this like a James Michener novel, going back to the beginning of time to give the history of Kuna Cave. The Idaho Press can’t afford that much paper, so I’ll simply explain how a lava tube is formed.
When lava flows on the Earth’s surface from an active volcano, the top of the flow begins to cool and solidify as it encounters air. As it hardens, it forms a lava shell. Meanwhile, molten lava flows inside that shell until the eruption stops. Then, like water coming through a hose when you twist the faucet off, the molten lava continues flowing downhill, leaving behind the shell it has formed. Now you have a lava tube.
The Kuna Cave, about six miles southwest of Kuna, is a lava tube. Part of the roof collapsed at some point, leaving a hole in the desert floor into which unsuspecting jackrabbits could plunge. At least a couple of people have also fallen into that hole.
History doesn’t record who discovered the cave. The owner of one of those skeletons has my vote. However, we know that Claude W. Gibson and his young friends made one of the earliest explorations of the cave in 1890. The group knew roughly where to look, so their claim isn’t one of discovery. They trudged through the desert in a ragged line for about an hour before someone let out a yell.
The group gathered around the yeller and looked down into a 3-by-4-foot hole. A shaft of sunlight fell on sand somewhere between 32 and 50 feet below, depending on who was doing the measuring.
Gibson’s group came up with one of the better ways to get bodies into the cave. They rolled a wagon to the edge, propped up a wheel, wrapped a rope around the axle, and made it into a windlass. By turning the wheel slowly, they lowered each member of their party down into the cave. The last guy on top was a good rope climber, so he just monkeyed his way down. Sometime later, it occurred to them that someone could come along, steal their wagon, and leave them to ponder the sky through that hole three or four stories above.
They discovered the skeleton of someone who had spent their last days doing just that. Someone decided the man had been an Indian, though they found no artifact to prove that. It looked like he had piled up a tower of rocks trying to get up to that one-way opening.
Around the turn of the century, locals often took carriages to the Kuna cave on a Sunday afternoon for a picnic. Those who dared drop into the hole did so by ropes, a wire ladder, or, eventually, a wooden ladder left in place.
In May 1911, the cave got some extra attention when United States Surveyor General D. A. Utter and a posse of prominent engineers decided to explore the cave. General Utter spent a lot of time in Idaho. He started a vineyard in the King Hill area while still employed as the surveyor general.
Utter described the cave to the Idaho Statesman: “The most beautiful formation in the cave is an arched hallway, as finely and smoothly constructed as though human hands had been at work there, and which runs forward about 250 feet. It is 20 feet high and about 30 feet wide. The flooring of the archway is covered with a fine coating of sand and is as level as one could wish.”
The general got stuck trying to pass through an 18-inch opening and required much pulling and grunting on the part of his fellow explorers to get him out. A skinnier member of the party wormed his way through and crawled about 300 yards before sand blocked his way.
General Utter speculated that the cave ran some six miles, all the way to the Snake River. He thought this because a strong, wet breeze inside the cave kept blowing out candles.
The 1911 party also discovered a skeleton. This one lay on a high ledge as if the person had tried their best to scale the walls of the dome. They decided this skeleton belonged to a white man, again with scant evidence.
Surveyor General Utter, a man who sometimes strayed into hyperbole, called the cave “one of the noted wonders of the country” and thought the government should make it into a resort once improvements were made to the entrance.
That idea died in the cave along with the anonymous men whose skeletons were found there. However, the Bureau of Land Management, which oversees the site today, has plans to put a grating over the entrance and provide a safer ladder into the cave in the near future. They also hope to build a parking lot and reduce the number of roads — six — that lead to the cave, providing a single, improved road.
Back in 1890, one of the first things Gibson’s group did was scratch their names on the rock walls. Unfortunately, those wishing for immortality of a sort in recent years have favored spray paint to make their messages, leaving little in the Kuna Cave untarnished. | true | true | both | www.idahopress | 20220403 |
https://www.idahopress.com/community/life/the-bookworm-sez-click-like-on-dark-social/article_de408ff0-a7fd-58e0-b152-f7bdb5f58d63.html | It’s hard not to “LIKE” videos of kittens.
Seriously, they’re so cute. Puppies, too. You gotta LOVE dogs, CARE on this post, SAD on that comment and before you know it, a half hour of your workday is gone. Other than wasting time, though, how does social media affect your job? Read “Dark Social” by Ian MacRae, and look for the WOW emoji.
In the past couple of years or so, the way we relate to others has become radically different than it once was. Mostly, we’ve had to move our connections “online wherever possible.” We had the tools already. Wasn’t it better to go online than to have no connection at all?
Maybe. As MacRae points out, going online was also loaded with problems, especially when social media was added into the mix. We learned, sometimes to our dismay, that people are “not fundamentally different in online spaces than ... in physical spaces.” Online behavior reflects real behavior, and we can become more influenced by a “filter bubble.”
You can imagine how important it is, then, to heed personalities when hiring.
Personality and personality disorders “crystallize ... in a person’s mid-20s” and “the indications are that personality does not change under normal circumstances.” Even if you can categorize someone’s personality, you’ll need to remember that in the workplace, there are both strengths and weaknesses to that core.
And here’s where casual online consumption comes in: social media is “designed to influence behaviour” but our understanding of its effects on the workplace isn’t clear yet. People are already used to social media, though, and they sometimes need to be taught how to act within a new environment. If you’re “actively trying to improve these environments” at your workplace, knowing that “People can improve” gives your business the impetus to model good behavior online, while guiding remote workers toward a certain company culture and monitoring and observing for any other issues that may occur.
Remember, says MacRae, “work can be better for people and bring out the best from people.”
Chances are, you’ve spent some time in the past five years ranting about social media, for better or for worse. “Dark Social” not only underscores your thoughts, it explains them, too.
It may be a fine line you walk, however: how can you ask your employees to Tweet or post about your business, while also keeping social media out of the workplace? Author Ian MacRae helps sort out all aspects of this big conundrum with a dive into psychology, communication and, using the former president as case study, research on personality types. Yes, that may rankle some readers but the takeaway is interesting, as well as relevant.
Alas, implementation can be as complicated as the rationale; it doesn’t help that this book sometimes seems to veer too far off-topic before returning to the main subject. Even so, readers who are concerned about the influence of social media in or out of the office will find scientific reasoning and guidance here, making “Dark Social” hard not to “LIKE.” | true | true | both | www.idahopress | 20220403 |
https://www.idahopress.com/community/life/treasure-valley-spotlight-toni-belknap-brinegar/article_2d75a5b2-36ba-5a7a-8a18-6c52c86e6cd1.html | NAMPA — Toni Belknap-Brinegar is the newest chair of the Vallievue School District Board.
She also serves as the chair of the Idaho Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence and had been appointed by the governor to the Idaho Council on Developmental Disabilities, where she served from 2006 to 2013. Belknap-Brinegar also served on on DisAbility Rights Idaho’s board of directors from September 2009 to September 2014.
Her full-time job is working as the Conservation Voters of Idaho’s boards and commissions coordinator where she oversees a fellowship program that trains people from underrepresented communities in Idaho on how to serve on boards. Conservation Voters of Idaho is the local affiliate of the League of Conservation Voters, a national organization.
“How many times as adults do we have somebody that looks us in the face and says, ‘you can do this’?” she said of her role. Apart from someone’s spouse or mother, it can be rare to “have a stranger that comes to you and says, ‘I believe in you,’” she said.
Her colleague at Conservation Voters of Idaho, Shevawn Bell said much of the program’s success stems from Belknap-Brinegar’s vision and leadership.
“She has dedicated her career to serving her community and lifting up the folks around her,” Bell said. “We’re just thrilled she’s getting the recognition she deserves.” | true | true | both | www.idahopress | 20220403 |
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