Stories from Friday, December 2, 2016

Idaho's rural communities need the same access to the latest advances in technology that's continuing to foster economic growth in the Treasure Valley, according to one of Elmore County's newly elected lawmakers. Broadband and dedicated cell phone service that large urban areas like Boise take for granted plays a key role in modern farming and ranching practices, said Representative-elect Megan Blanksma...

American Legion Post 26 and the American Legion Auxiliary will meet Dec. 6 at War Memorial Hall, 515 East 2nd South St., in Mountain Home. A Christmas dinner with all the fixings begins at 6 p.m. with side dishes and desserts appreciated. A joint opening will follow before separate meetings, which start at 7 p.m...

People in the Mountain Home area have an opportunity to help others in the community by joining this year's Giving Tree program. Tags identifying a child needing help are now available at selected businesses. Those buying gifts for these children have until Dec. 19 to purchase and deliver the unwrapped presents to Giving Tree organizers. For more information, call 587-4334...

The city parks and recreation department, Mountain Home Elks Lodge, Guaranty Title and Take One Cinema will hold their annual "Santa and the Cinema" event Dec. 10. Celebrating its third anniversary, the free event started as a partnership between all three organizations to offer a "holiday experience that can be enjoyed by the entire family with films centering on old-fashioned family values and true holiday spirit," said project chair Cristena Ford...