Stories from Wednesday, July 1, 2020

The Mountain Home City Council held a regularly scheduled meeting on June 22. During that meeting Brock Cherry was sworn in as the new Community Development Director. The city’s Executive Director of Economic Development Courtney Lewis recently resigned as a City Employee and the decision was then made to combine her position with the position of a Community Planner and Cherry was hired to fill the void that was left with the departure of Lewis. ...

PFD’s (personal flotation devices) must be Coast Guard approved, properly sized, and in good condition (no broken buckles, torn straps, rips, tears, etc). They must also be within easy reach. Children 14 and under must wear an approved life jacket when they are aboard a boat 19 feet in length or less whenever the boat is underway or under power. ...

When there is a need for a major reform in our country, listening is the starting point for sound change. Recently, I had the opportunity to discuss proposed federal policy changes to address police use of force at a Senate Committee on the Judiciary hearing. The input of those who have worked closely on this issue is instrumental as we work to enact legislation to rebuild the lost confidence in many institutions designed for the purposes of keeping communities safe...

In an effort to bring some art to town in the absence of the normal Community Canvas murals that would have been unveiled on the Fourth of July the group decided to sponsor a Chalk Fest on June 27th. In keeping with social distancing guidelines the group set up at the Hub Plaza with chalk and refreshments for anyone who wanted to come participate. The group had a good turnout from the community as artists came out to share their skills...

Safety Tips to Keep Yourself Safe Every firework packs a collection of tiny bombs, so the dangers of fireworks are serious—they can cause property fires, burns, and sometimes cuts from flying pieces. To keep yourself and your spectators safe when you’re the one on the launch pad, follow the tips below...

Dorothy J. Saberin, age 83, of Glenns Ferry passed away at her home on Tuesday, June 30, 2020. Arrangements are under the care of Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel.

William Henry Hagler, age 65, of Grand View, passed away at his home on June 26, 2020. Arrangements are under the care of Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel.

August 21, 1951 - June 25, 2020 Jim was born to Delores Montana (Gardner) and E.A. "Dude" Noland in Boise, Idaho. He did all of his growing up in Horseshoe Bend, ID and cherished his childhood adventures with his local gang of buddies and with his big brother Fred. He recalled his Horseshoe Bend years with great fondness and shared endless tales that kept us in awe...

BOISE, Idaho (AP) _ Idaho residents may vote in person during elections in August and November despite the continuing spread of the coronavirus, officials said. Chief Deputy Secretary of State Chad Houck said Idaho plans to operate standard elections rather than exclusively using absentee ballots, The Idaho Statesman reports...

July 1, 2020 - Idahoans love to celebrate the Fourth of July with family and friends. Some celebrations will undoubtedly look different this year in response to Covid19 safety concerns. And members of the Idaho State Police are asking the public's help to keep the holiday weekend safe in another important way; by keeping impaired drivers off the road...

The Idaho Department of Labor has cleared about 85 percent of 42,000 pending claims, as of June 6, and expects to work through the remaining 5,500 pending claims by mid-July. A total of 120 Maximus call center agents are now working with department staff to answer phones and re-set passwords among other tasks. With increased staffing, wait times have been cut in half and most calls are now being answered. Call volumes have significantly decreased as backlogs reduce...

Mountain Home Mayor Rich Sykes is currently facing a recall effort to remove him from office. In the previous few weeks a petition was turned into City Hall by a group of people opposing the mayor, asking for him to face a recall election this fall. ...