Stories from Wednesday, March 12, 2003

It was a grim group of teachers that gathered Friday to hear Mountain Home Education Association President David Phillips deliver the bad news about the upcoming layoffs for next school year. "They're willing to do what is necessary," to overcome the $1.5 million funding shortfall the district is facing, Phillips said, "but sooner or later, if the cuts continue and put more people under stress, tempers are going to flare."...

Earth Day is rapidly approaching and its objective of preserving and protecting the environment should be a goal that we are all working towards, city officials say, adding that one way citizens can help attain that goal is through recycling. The Mountain Home City Council is considering an ordinance for a curbside recycling program within the city limits. While the city currently offers a voluntary recycling service, the city's long-term plan has been to offer curbside recycling...

Hunter M. McLaughlin, 5-month-old son of Patrick and Jennie McLaughlin, died Wednesday, March 5, 2003, at the Elmore Medical Center Hospital in Mountain Home. Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. today, Wednesday, March 12, at the Liberty Chapel at Mountain Home Air Force Base. Cremation is under the direction of Summers Funeral Homes, McMurtrey Chapel in Mountain Home...

Chuck Lambert, 54, of Mountain Home, died Monday, March 10, at a Boise hospital. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of the Cremation Society of Idaho.

Edward J. Garland, 60, formerly of Mountain Home, died of natural causes at his home in Siguin, Texas, Thursday, March 6, 2003. Rosary and Vigil Services were held in Sequin, Texas, on Tuesday evening, March 11. Burial services were held March 12, at Fort Sam Houston, Texas...

Zella Margaret Kniefel, 84, of Prineville, Ore., formerly of Mountain Home, died Sunday, March 9, 2003, at a Care Center in Oregon. Vigil services will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, at Summers Funeral Homes, McMurtry Chapel, in Mountain Home. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 13 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Mountain Home. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Summers Funeral Homes...

Elizabeth "Betty" Lenore Jones Meserole, 73, died Sunday, March 2, 2003, after a battle with lung cancer. She died at home in Boise with her husband, four daughters and grandson Gabriel Hall at her bedside. A private family service was held by close faimily members at Aclesa Memorial in Boise on March 4, 2003...

Alton (Al) Raymond Harris, 71, passed away Thursday, March 6, 2003, at St. Alphonsus Hospital surrounded by his family after a battle with cancer. Arrangements are under the direction of Summers Funeral Homes, McMurtrey Chapel. Services will be held at 11 a.m., today, Wednesday, March 12, at Summers Funeral Homes, McMurtrey Chapel, Mountain Home. The Rev. Farrell Ramsey will officiate. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery...

Clifford L. Covill, Jr., 74 of Glenns Ferry, died Tuesday, March 4, 2003, at the Elmore Medical Center Nursing Home. Per his request no services will be held. Cremation is under the direction of Summers Funeral Homes, McMurtrey Chapel in Mountain Home...

John L. Echeverria, 81, of Mountain Home, died Thursday, March 6, 2003, at the Elmore Medical Center Nursing Home. Funeral mass was held Monday, March 10, at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Mountain Home. Burial followed at Mountain View Cemetery...

Brad Aggen and Susie Swenson of Mountain Home have announced the birth of a daughter.

Andrew and Gayla Jantz, Bruneau, announce the birth of a son.