Stories from Wednesday, March 16, 2011

After nearly 18 months of delays, compounded by unexpected complications and staffing issues, the Boise VA Medical Center will open its new clinic in Mountain Home Tuesday. Previously expected to open the summer of 2009, the regional Veterans Administration agency finished its last hurdle earlier this month to install secure communications lines between the clinic and the regional medical center...

Despite their own reservations and some public opposition, Elmore County's planning and zoning commission has recommended plans to build a large-scale community on the county's western border. In a 90-minute special hearing March 9, the commission concluded the Mayfield Townsite "appears to meet the standards" required under county ordinance, said Patti Osborn, who chairs the eight-person commission...

The parents of the Mountain Home High School Class of 2011 are "working feverishly" to plan and execute this year's senior celebration. The group got off to a late start, getting organized only about two weeks ago. "We have accomplished a great deal in a short time, but more parent volunteers are needed to ensure a successful event for our graduating class," Susan Richelieu, one of the event's organizers...

Dear editor: On Feb. 28 many students took to the streets to protest against Luna's Plan at 10 a.m. in the cold morning air. Each student was unaware of what consequences they'd have to pay for only doing what they felt was right, taking actions in ways that we as a society have been guiding these students to do for many years. Two good examples to use are Martin Luther King Jr. and Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. A more recent example is our protesting high gas prices...

Dear editor: In response to Ms. True-Sterlings comments I must say that we all have the right to protest peacefully. The students were merely demonstrating their rights. On school time? When else do they get together? Mr. Luna's plan leaves lot to be desired. ...

Dear editor: Shame on you, Geraldine! These kids have every right to protest and should be commended for taking an interest in their state government! While it would have been better to do it after school, I applaud their active participation and showing their honest frustration. It is only too bad that more parents and grandparents don't join them in their rallies!...

Dear editor: The citizens of Elmore County, like those all over Idaho, will have an opportunity, beginning on Saturday, April 16, to sign a petition calling for the recall of State Superintendent of Education Tom Luna. All those who believe eliminating 770 teaching positions statewide (perhaps as many as 18 in Mountain Home) is no way to improve public education nor to show how much we appreciate teachers, please sign the petition...

Dear editor: Growth should STOP before this place becomes another Meridian. If people want more jobs and nightlife, let them move to Boise. Crime has already risen, traffic is becoming a problem, won't be long until there's a dark haze over this town like this is in Boise -- and where is all the water coming from? The Californians bringing it with them?...

William "Billy" James O'Brien and Sabrina Marie Cooper, together with their parents, have announced their engagement. The wedding ceremony will be held at 3 p.m., April 16, at the Barber Park Event Facility. The groom is a 2004 graduate of Mountain Home High School and the bride is a 2007 graduate of Mountain View High School...

Giles and Juliann Ziolkowski of Canton, Mich., have announced the engagement of their daughter, Karen Marie Ziolkowski, to Terry Jason Hodges, son of Terry and Hazel Hodges of Mountain Home. Ziolkowski is a 2000 graduate of Devine Child High School in Dearborn, Mich. She received her bachelor of science degree from Central Michigan University in 2004...

March 9 • 06:59 Citizen Assist, N10E• 07:17 Motorist Assist, I-84 MM71• 07:48 Vehicle Stop, Old GV Hwy/Hwy 51• 09:22 Traffic, Old GV Hwy• 10:20 Intoxicated Subject, MH• 10:28 Harassment, Big Foot Bar Rd• 10:36 Reckless, I-84 MM82• 13:48 Assist, Atlanta• 14:42 Vehicle Stop, Hwy 30/Canyon Crk• 15:14 Motorist Assist, Hwy 30/Lucille• 15:22 Vehicle Stop, MH• 15:25 Vehicle Stop, Hwy 30/Sailor Crk• 15:33 VIN Inspection, King Hill• 15:36 Welfare, Glenns Ferry• 15:39 Vehicle Stop, MH• 16:54 Animal, King Hill• 16:55 Assist, Vera• 17:24 Traffic, Hwy 20• 17:56 Vehicle Stop, Ditto Crk• 18:22 Collision Unknown, I-84 EB MM72• 19:02 Civil, Canal Rd• 20:11 Assist, I-84 MM96• 21:11 Fight, Simco/Desert Wind• 21:17 Animal, King Hill• 22:22 Vehicle Stop, I-84 WB MM78• 22:23 Vehicle Stop, W5N. ...