Stories from Thursday, February 23, 2017

Parks and recreation employees and local residents packed into the city council chambers Feb. 13 as a discussion began regarding who will oversee the department. In his comments to the public, Mayor Rich Sykes said he would like to split the department into two entities with supervisors at the head of both departments...

It's seen everywhere in this county although it tends to receive little recognition since it often blends into the background. It's shown in artwork and at public events, honored at the Olympic games and draped over the caskets of fallen military veterans...

Maralee (Johnson) Smith was a deeply passionate mother, wife, sister and daughter, honored for her compassion and zeal and mourned in her passing. Surrounded by her husband and sons on Feb. 13, 2017, her spirit was released from her mortal frame through a priesthood prayer given by her husband. Her last breath of life was taken as these men sang the hymn, "Lead, Kindly Light," releasing her body to suffer no more from the cancer afflicting her...

Grace I. Bend, 90, of Glenns Ferry, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017, at a family home in Baker City, Ore. A celebration of her life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 4, 2017, at the VFW Hall, Post 3646, in Glenns Ferry. Cremation is under the care of Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel, in Mountain Home...