Stories from Wednesday, July 10, 2013

A line of strong thunderstorms late in the afternoon pounded the local area, but it didn't deter thousands of people from gathering at the city golf course to watch one of the largest fireworks shows in southern Idaho. As the final shells exploded overhead, it culminated a day-long celebration as Mountain Home observed Independence Day last Thursday. ...

Dear editor: Just when I'd hoped to have written my last letter, the guy HAS to play that coveted "race card." It was inevitable because its what they've done best since day one. After three years on the blogs, I don't need the lunacy of another running debate either, Mr. ...

Dear editor: On behalf of the Mountain Home Fire Department "Streetwalkers," I would like to thank each and every one of you, individuals and businesses alike, who donated so generously to the annual Fourth of July fireworks. We are always overwhelmed each year how this community comes together to make our fireworks such a success...

When school starts on Aug. 14 in the Mountain Home School District it will be teaching to a set of new standards adopted by the state known as Common Core. Common Core is essentially some new tests in basic curriculum and a concept that schools in the 45 states that have now adopted the program will all try to teach to a common standard...

The Elmore County Fair opens next week with a carnival, a rodeo exhibits and vendors. The first activities take place on Sunday, July 14, with 4-H and Optimist Ag Youth program activities. Equestrian events will be the focus on Sunday and Monday. Weigh-in for 4-H and Optimist Ag Youth livestock begins on Monday and the youth will show their livestock projects in the show rings Tuesday through Friday...

Violet L. McAlpine, 89, Mountain Home, died July 9, 2013, at a Mountain Home hospital. Arrangements are by Boise Funeral Home, Aclesa Chapel.

Margaret Ann (Johnson) Taylor died peacefully on Sunday night, July 7, 2013, at age 82. She was born Jan. 1, 1931, in Weiser, Idaho, and lived there until age 10, when she moved to Glenns Ferry with her family. Her father, Bob Johnson, owned Glenns Ferry Cold Storage and Butcher Shop from 1941 to 1962...