Stories from Wednesday, January 8, 2003

Before a courtroom that overflowed with well wishers, Mike Wetherell was sworn in as the newest Fourth District judge last Friday at the Elmore County courthouse. A lawyer for over three decades and a city councilman in Boise for nearly 17 years, Wetherell had specifically requested the right to be sworn in at the courtroom in his "home" city and county...

In a ceremony steeped in tradition, Brig. Gen. Irving Halter surrendered command of the 366th Wing to Col. Blair Hansen Monday as the unit colors were handed over to a new leader. The hangar was a sea of blue uniforms as representatives from every squadron on base stood ready to welcome their new commander and bid farewell to one who had led them through a multitude of changes during his two-year tenure with the wing. Seats filled quickly with invited guests, dignitaries, families and friends...

Mayor Dave Jett told Chamber of Commerce members he believes that "as we set goals for the future, we must first look back at what we have accomplished." And in reviewing the last two years since he took office, he found that much had been accomplished, praising the department heads for all of their hard work...