At right, ‘Sandstorm’ by Lacy
Sheridan, an acrylic painting on
canvas, is one of dozens of
individual artwork at the
At right, URA demolition of
structures and removal of
debris by crews at the
Tri-City Meats
property
Student Art Exhibit
available for public viewing from
8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. MondayFriday at Initial Point Gallery on
the 3rd floor of Meridian City Hall
now through April 2nd.
next door to the Smiths’
property on the southwest
corner of State Street and
Eagle Road proceeded
without yellow caution tape.
(See aricle, additional photos
on Page 20)
(See article, additional photos
on Page 9)
Serving
w. Ada County
since August
2000
March 16, 2015
Valley Times
Volume 15, Number 11
www.valleytimesidaho.com
Printed at 8:00
a.m. every Monday. Deadline for
news/advertising
is every Friday
at noon.
50 cents
Council members Genesis Milam and Luke Cavener during prosecution services update.
Meridian hears prosecution services update
Kris Hargis’ In the face of frailty through April 30
The Art Space
Eagle Performing Arts Center
1125 E. State Street, Eagle
Always on the lookout for unique natural forms, artist
Kris Hargis has turned the fruits of his foraging into a
unique body of work. Utilizing materials as varied as
adobe clay, wood, elk bone, wax and steel, he has created a community of sculptural figures that are heartbreaking in their elegance and vulnerability. Gesture and
movement quality inhabit each character and the viewer
leaves with the feeling he has caught them in mid-dance.
Kris Hargis was born in Omaha, Nebraska and received his BFA in Visual Communication from the University of Kansas in 1998. He is currently working towards his MFA at Boise State University. He has shown
extensively at Froelick Gallery as well as galleries in
Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Seattle, Washington.
Hargis has been commissioned by companies such
as Portland Center Stage, the Philadelphia Gazette, Boston Magazine and the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas,
Nevada and was a 2014 recipient of a studio assistantship from Penland School of Crafts.
Check out his work in downtown Eagle through the
month of April.
Police attorney liaison Terry Derden, a deputy attorney for Boise City, updated Meridian officials at their March 10th meeting on the prosecution and police services contract. “We’ve been with
the City of Boise since 2002 and have received excellent service,” said Meridian City Attorney Bill
Nary.
Derden said his office tracks the 494 current warrants for Meridian, e.g., for parole violations
and Meridian and Eagle cases are mixed in with Boise’s. “It’s working very well,” he said, adding his
office handles 6,200 charges annually, “mostly traffic offenses.” The number-one infractions in Meridian? No insurance, misdemeanor drug possession, invalid driver’s
licenses, petit theft and inattentive driving.
Councilman Keith Bird asked if drivers without current licenses
“are suspended or not renewing?” “A little bit of both,” Derden said,
adding court costs alone are $197.50 plus fines of up to another $50. “It
can get expensive,” he said.
Bird said the contract with Boise “is the best thing Meridian has
ever done. They’re doing a great job.”
Derden also said police officers today are receiving training on new
body cameras “and how to deal with civilian phones recording incidents.” Police everywhere are under pressure from publicity stemming
from high-profile cases such as Ferguson near St. Louis in Missouri.
Terry Derden
Eagle finishing first Master Parks/Rec plan
Two consultants and eight volunteers comprised a focus group that met on March 11th to do a
“SWOT” (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis as the city’s Parks & Recreation
Department nears completion of its first 3-5-year master plan.
“We’re knee-deep in stakeholder meetings and public comment sessions,” said Director Mike
Aho, who then left to avoid influencing the session.
Consultants Lynda Friesz-Martin and Bob Schafer of The Land Group said the draft master plan
will be finished this spring with finalization anticipated in the early summer or fall. “We did a random sampling of 3,000 residents
and received 400 responses, a
95-percent certainty or accuracy
rate,” said Friesz-Martin, adding, “We’re looking for threads”
or trends in the data.
Some strengths identified
included having a P&R department, though it’s only two years
old; the Boise River and
greenbelt and the sports complex. Weaknesses include limited funding and distances from
residents. Opportunities appear
boundless as Eagle grows and
threats encompass no camping
and limited access to BLM land. Karen Danley lives in Boise and represents equestriennes.
Page 2
Would you like to make a difference? Get involved in a service
club in your community. Your local City Hall and Chamber of
Commerce have a list of clubs and wothwhile local causes.
Web site lists three years of Idaho Power
employee-driven sustainability projects
Three years of Idaho Power sustainability projects are now
available to view on-line. Examples of the employee-driven projects
include 2012’s Greenleaf wet-meadows project and last year’s electric-vehicle rollout.
Since 2012, Idaho Power has helped fund and execute
sustainability projects aimed at increasing efficiencies and lowering company costs. Qualifying initiatives must demonstrate a financial benefit to the company, as well as either an environmental
or social gain. Approved projects are given financial assistance
through “incubation funding,” and the Sustainability team is available to provide consulting services if necessary. Over the past three
years, 26 projects have been completed.
“It’s exciting to look back on the variety of projects that have
come to fruition and see the difference they’ve made for the company,” said Sustainability Strategist John Bernardo. “We can’t wait
to see what our employees come up with next.”
March 19 is deadline to comment on
new electric transmission line project
March 19 is the last day to submit comments on the Bureau of
Land Management’s (BLM) draft Environmental Impact Statement
for Idaho Power’s proposed Boardman to Hemingway transmission line project (B2H).
The 500-kilovolt transmission line would run between the
Boardman, Oregon, area and Melba, Idaho. B2H would benefit
electric customers in the Pacific Northwest and Intermountain West
regions by relieving congestion on existing transmission lines. This
would increase opportunities for the exchange of energy between
the regions, help to integrate intermittent renewable energy resources, such as wind and solar, and help to strengthen the reliability of the regional electrical grid.
Idaho Power encourages you to submit your comments to the
BLM electronically or by mail. Find more details on the project
and how to comment at boardmantohemingway.com.
Valley Times
March 16, 2015
Around the World: Building the Panama Canal
By Betty Kusler
Westward Ho! After Columbus’ voyages, it became apparent that the Orient was still undiscovered. Seafaring men continued to search for a western passage to India and other fabled lands to the
east.
It was a great distance to sail around Cape
Horn at the tip of South America. There will was
the western drive and it was obvious to many for
a long time that the slender Isthmus of Panama
needed to be opened for voyagers.
By digging a canal across the 51-mile-long
isthmus, the distance to connect the Atlantic and
Pacific oceans would be reduced by 12,987 to
4,201 miles. Various builders were ready to attempt this feat including Ferdinand de Lesseps,
builder of the Suez Canal at Egypt. He hoped to
be the one to achieve the challenge in the New
World, but was prevented by bankruptcy and financial scandal.
President Theodore Roosevel, seeing in the
former project the tremendous amount of money,
disease and death to thousands of workers as well
as the financial scandals current at the time, also
saw the immense advantage of a Panama Canal
to the United States. He encouraged the Panamanians to break away from Colombia and establish
an independent republic in 1903. This gave the
Ji
U.S.
the needed concesssion to construct the ca- View of the Panama Canal shows one of the
locks opening to allow vessels passage.
nal and the locals agreed.
Built at a cost of just over $336,500,000, the canal runs southeast across the isthmus from Colon
on the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific inlet of the Bay of Panama. Six pairs of locks are needed to carry
the water over the changing levels of the canal, which reaches a height of nearly 85 feet above sea
level.
The canal’s width ranges from 100 to 300 feet and its mimimum in depth is 41 feet. It raises the
ships some 85 feet above sea level in three stages. The ships then enter the 162-square-mile Gatun
Lake, formed by damming the Chagres River Valley, and steam about 22 miles along the lake to enter
the eight-mile Gaillard Cut. From here, it is lowered 30 feet to the level of the Pacfiic and then passes
through the final eight-mile stretch to the end of the canal
The average trip across the isthmus through the canal takes eight hours. About 1,200 ships use the
canal each year, averaging 33 every day.
March 16, 2015
Meridian Senior Center’s Mad Hatters group
It looks like a page out of a country magazine. The Mad Hatters of the Meridian Senior Center are busily knitting, looming or
crocheting. Busily they work, all the while carrying on conversations.
These ladies are amazing. Last year (2014), they produced a
total of 223 items for the following organizations:
• Project School Bell (AM);
• American Cancer Society;
• Pregnant and Parenting Teen Program’
• St. Luke’s Hospital; and
• Veterans, both State and Federal.
Feel free to come and join these ladies on the second and fourth
Tuesdays of every month at 10:00 a.m. Call Cindy Hill at (208)
888-5555 for additional information.
Eagle Toastmasters meets every Wednesday from 8:00-9:00
a.m. at Foothills Christian Church, 9655 W. State Street in Boise.
Visit www.eagleIDtoastmasters.org for more information.
The City of Meridian has the following job opening:
Building Specialist
Job Summary: The Building Specialist performs a broad
scope of building services administrative functions and processes
under the supervision and direction of the Building Official.
Duties include processing Commercial, Residential and Capital
project plans and documents submitted by developers, contractors or others in order to obtain building permits. This role verifies inspection processes and documents using the City’s enterprise software. The incumbent works with a moderate degree of
independence within a scheduled routine, using good judgment
and initiative. The position requires the incumbent to work effectively with a wide range of people including elected officials, co-workers, contractors, builders, business owners,
homeowners, commercial real estate agents, design professionals and the general public.
For details and to apply, visit www.meridiancity.org
North Star Charter School lottery applications are now
being accepted for grades K-12. Deadline for the applications
is March 20, 2015. The lottery will be held on April 2nd, 2015.
Lottery applications may be found on the web site at northstar
charter.org.
Eagle Senior Center activities
• Tuesday, March 17th: 11:30 a.m., Senior Goldmine staff; noon,
lunch; and 1:00-3:00 p.m., Pinochle.
• Wednesday, March 18th: 9:00 a.m., Fit & Fallproof Exercise; 10:00
a.m.-3:00 p.m., Bridge. Van available for medical appointments; call 4400266.
• Thursday, March 19th: Noon, lunch; 12:45-2:00 p.m., Bridge;
and 1:00-3:00 p.m., Pinochle..
• Friday, March 20th: 9:00 a.m., Fit and Fallproof Exercise Class.
• Monday, March 23rd: 9:00 a.m., Fit and Fallproof Exercise Class.
For more information, call 939-0475.
Meridian Senior Center activities
• Tuesday, March 17th: 11:00 a.m., Wear your best green; prizes
awarded; 11:45 a.m., Nostalgic Voices music group; noon, lunch; and
1:00 p.m., Art Class and Board meeting.
• Wednesday, March 18th: 9:30 a.m., yoga; 10:00 a.m., Alzheimer’s
care support group; 11:00 a.m., Country Roads w/Bill & Carolyn; noon,
lunch; 1:00 p.m., Pinochle; and 7:30 p.m., dance lessons.
• Thursday, March 19th: 8:30 a.m., Foot Clinic (call 888-5555 for
an appointment); 11:00 a.m., Heartfelt Country; 12:15 p.m., attorney visits (membership & signup required); and 1:00 p.m., quilting.
• Friday, March 20th: 9:30 a.m., Zumba; 11:45 a.m., Association
meeting; noon, lunch; 1:00 p.m., Canasta; and 4:00 p.m., doors open for
Bingo.
• Monday, March 23rd: 9:30 a.m., Stretch & Tone; noon, lunch;
and 1:00 p.m., Dominoes.
For information, call 888-5555. (Note: There is a $2 charge for all
activities.)
Area Senior Center lunch menu
• Tuesday, March 17th: Corned Beef & Cabbage, red potatoes,
glazed carrots, green Jello w/pears, roll and 2% milk. (Dress up for St.
Patrick’s Day and be eligible to win a prize.)
• Wednesday, March 18th: Pork Riblet, baked beans, California
mix veggies, broccoli salad, whole wheat bread and 2% milk.
• Thursday, March 19th: Oven-Fried Chicken, cheesy potatoes,
peas & carrots, Graham crackers, whole wheat bread and 2% milk.
• Friday, March 20th: Cheesy Ravioli, Italian blend veggies, fruit,
French bread and 2% milk.
• Monday, March 23rd: Chicken Broccoli & Rice Casserole, beets,
fruit, whole wheat bread and 2% milk.
For more information, call 888-5555 from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
Lunch is served at the Eagle Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays only.
Valley Times
Volunteers are needed for
Friday Night Bingo Center at
the Park (Meridian Senior Center). For more information, email Mary Wheeler at meridian
[email protected].
Be informed about land use
and other decisions by local municipalities and other agencies
that impact the entire community. Read the legal notices every week in Valley Times.
Valley Times is a politically
independent community weekly
newspaper serving western Ada
County since August 2000. We
welcome letters and guest editorials on all topics of general
interest to the reading public.
Send your submission as a separate attachment in e-mail or
Word format. Send photos as
separate attachments in jpg format. Deadline is every Friday at
noon for the following Monday’s issue. Questions? Call
407-5224.
Walk your talk...Don’t just
talk about changing the world,
do something about it and get
on with it. The late spiritual and
political leader of India, Mahatma Gandhi, said, we must
“be the change we want to see
in the world.”
The Meridian Valley Humane Society, Canine Rescue
accepts only owner-relinquished
dogs at 191 N. Linder Road (between Pine Avenue and Franklin
Road in front of Heritage Auto).
The volunteers who opened this
dog rescue program appreciate
all donations of money and dog
food. If you have questions or
can volunteer a few hours of
your time to help these animals,
call Nancy Harvey, Board member, at 639-9440.
Star Senior Center
activities
Center hours are 10:00 a.m.
to 1:45 p.m. during the week.
Lunch and bus rides are on a
donation basis. Enjoy Dominoes
and shooting pool before lunch
each Wednesday and Friday.
Bingo is played after lunch each
Wednesday and Friday, and Pinochle each Friday at 7:00 p.m.
Books, books on tape, VCR/
DVD movies and CDs/cassette
tapes are available in the office.
The bus is available for pickup
if you need a ride to the center;
call the number below. For information, call 286-7943. Come
“hang out.”
Integrity Computer
Consulting & Repair
(208) 288-4345
815 Main Street
in downtown Meridian
‘We offer professional
service and affordable rates’
Page 3
Meridian Optimist 38th annual Easter
Egg Hunt coming Saturday, April 4th
The Optimist Club of Meridian will hold its 38th Annual Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday, April 4, 2015, at the Meridian Elementary
School, 1035 N.W. 1st Street.
Age groups are from toddler through 10 years. “Egg Off” will
be at 11:00 a.m. sharp so get there early for a great start. Pick up
marked Laffy Taffys and win one of many prizes to be given away.
The hunt will go on, rain or shine!
“Have you ever seen 20,000 Laffy Taffys picked up in less
than five minutes?” said Easter egg hunt chairperson Trenna Bowman Garcia. “It’s something to see! Everyone is in for a great time.”
Meeting the needs of young people in communities worldwide, Optimist clubs have been “Bringing Out the Best in Kids”
since 1919. Members clubs conduct positive service projects aimed
at providing a helping hand to youth. Optimist International is one
of the world’s largest and most
active service club organizations
with more than 2,600 clubs
around the world.
For more information, log
on to www.meridianoptimist
,org or call 870-7975.
Make It, Take It Kits @Your Library
Cheri Rendler
Want to learn how to knit, see how robots work or learn to
play the ukulele? Libraries are a great resource for life-long learning. The Meridian Library District loans more than books, DVDs
and music to library members.
We also offer Make It, Take It Kits to highlight Do It Yourself
(DIY) type projects and the opportunity to learn new technology
skills, like coding and circuits. Each kit has a theme and combines
traditional library resources (books, DVDs, magazines) with online resources (web sites, video tutorials, digital content) and physical objects.
The kits contain information to learn a new skill, are loaned
for four weeks and can be placed on hold. We’ve added new fitness kits including ZumbaExhilerate, Focus T25 and Fitness Bands.
Our new bicycle repair kits include a multi-tool set, tire levers and
a mini bicycle pump.
A variety of our kits may be found on our Make It Take It
webpage at http://mld.libguides.com/makeittakeit. Check it out!
Meridian Firefighters post Chili Cook-off results
• Peoples Choice: The Curb Bar and Grill
• Best of Show: Meridian Police
• Commercial:
1st Place: Paul Davis Restoration
2nd Place: Disaster Kleenup
3rd Place: The Ram Bar and Grill
• Non-Commercial:
1st Place: Common Ground Biker Church
2nd Place: Meridian Optimist Club
3rd Place: T. Steiner and Sons
Thanks for your continued support! Meridian Firefighters Pipes
and Drums
March 19
4:00 p.m.
City Hall
Conf.erence
Room. A
The Meridian Mayor’s Anti-Drug Coalition works
collaboratively within the community to implement innovative, sustainable prevention strategies to achieve
our vision of freeing our community from the destructive effects of substance abuse.
Page 4
A Look Back in Time...by Lila Hill
(The Meridian History Center is to the left of the front door
of City Hall. Photos and other items are on display. The center’s
hours are Monday through Friday from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Volunteers
are needed to help us stay open more days. The Meridian Historical Society wishes to add to its collection of the Polk Directories of
Boise City and Ada County. If you
have any and would like to donate
them, they may be left at the History
Center any afternoon between 1:00
and 3:00 or at the City Clerk’s Office
during office hours from 8:00 a.m.5:00 p.m. For more information, visit
www.wix.com/meridian historycente
/meridian-idaho, www.meridiancity.
org/HPC and Facebook. Looking for
Meridian history source materials?
Your local library has They Came to
Lila Hill
Build a Community by Hill and
Davidson, 1986; Before the Times, Meridian Historical Society
1885-1909 extracts; and “History of the Meridian School District”
by Doug Rutan, a doctoral thesis. The History Center at Meridian
City Hall has copies of the first-named book for $15 and Before the
Times for $25. The office is open from 1:00-3:00 p.m. weekdays.
The Meridian Times is available on microfilm at the Idaho State
Historical Library and Archives in Boise. It is open to the public
Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Call the center at 489-0602; leave a message. The Meridian Library District is
cataloging and listing holdings of the Meridian History Center. To
access this information, visit www.mld.org, click on Resources and
then Databases. You will find the items under Meridian History
Center in the list at the left side of the page. This is a continuing
project and more items will be added as they are catalogued.
100 Years Ago
Meridian Times
March 12th, 1915
Governor Moses Alexander will address the people at Locust
Grove schoolhouse, two and one-half miles southeast of Meridian,
next Sunday afternoon at 3 o’clock. Everybody is invited.
When Arrowrock Dam is completed and filled, the water will
have a drop of 135 feet and will be about 175 feet wide. The dam is
scheduled to be completed two years earlier than first estimated at
a savings of about $1,250,000. Recently, the big gates of the large
dam were closed and the water shut off for a short time. One portion of the river was entirely dry and a party walked out and picked
up about a bushel of fish before the stream was turned on again.
Dan Barker travels now in a new touring car purchased through
a local dealer.
The Jensen Creamery company this week opened up a receiving station in the building adjoining Atwater’s real estate office on
Broadway.
A.N. Salisbury is building a pretty four-room concrete block
residence in the south part of Meridian at a cost of about $1,000.
W.H. Peer will do the carpentry work.
Another carload of cheese was shipped by the local factory to
Spokane this week, the car containing 20,000 pounds. This is the
third carload to go to the same firm this spring.
John Cato is quite enthusiastic over the new ranch he has secured four and one-half miles southwest of Bruneau and 22 miles
southwest of Mountain Home. The ranch has a 700-foot-deep artesian well and good, black loam to a depth of 6-10 feet.
Seventy-five years ago
Meridian Times March 15th, 1940
The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp six miles southeast of Meridian will be continued. That is good news to our people
since the project has proved successful and a help to the young
men gathered here mainly from congested eastern cities like New
York. The camp average is a hundred men between the ages of 18
and 25. They have caused very little trouble, they do not spend
much money, as they do not have it to spend, they are respectful
and to a large extent honorable and behave themselves as well as a
group made up of our own western boys. The camp at Lake Lowell
is scheduled to be closed.
Clarence McGuire, who recently bought the LDS church building, is having it remodeled into a large garage for his cream truck.
The building was formerly on the high school grounds and used as
a classroom before the new high school was completed. It was purchased a Latter day Saints church and moved to W. Pine Avenue.
Now the church is erecting a modern building across from the high
school. (There originally were two matching buildings at the high
school. One of those currently is the Meridian 1993 Centennial
Lasting Legacy project, the Pine Street School, a replica of a common one-room schoolhouse now adjacent to Meridian Elementary.)
In the new Meridian dial telephone directory is number 3231
for the fire department. The police department number is 2171.
Valley Times
March 16, 2015
Community Calendar events
• Alzheimer Support Group meets the first Tuesday of every month at 10:00 a.m. and on the
third Wednesday of every month at 10:00 a.m. in the Meridian Senior Center at Julius M. Kleiner
Memorial Park. Anyone caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is encouraged to attend. For more
information, call Coordinator Cindy Hill at 888-5555.
• The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 4000 & Auxiliary meet the second Tuesday of
each month at the VFW Hall, Meridian & Broadway. Information: 855-0420.
• The American Legion Meridian Post 113 meets the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m.
at the American Legion Hall, 22 W. Broadway Avenue. Information: 590-1710.
• The American Legion Middleton Post 39 meets the last Monday of each month at the Sunrise
Cafe, Middleton. No-host dinner 6:00-7:0 W0 p.m., meeting at 7:00. All current and former military
are invited to join. Contact the Commander at 890-2907 or visit www.eagleid.com/post39.
• American Legion Post 127 & Auxiliary of Eagle meet on the second Tuesday of the month at
7:00 p.m. the Eagle Sewer District, 44 N. Palmetto Avenue, Eagle. For more information about the
organization and its activities, contact Mike Foley at 375-0793. All veterans are invited to attend.
• The Eagle Chamber of Commerce holds its monthly luncheon on the second Tuesday of
every month from noon to 1:00 p.m. at Eagle Hills Golf Course. For more information, call 939-4222
or e-mail [email protected].
• Eagle Lions Club meets the first and third Wednesday at Casa Mexico, 383 W. State Street in
Eagle. The first Wednesday meeting is at 6:45 p.m. and the second is still at noon. For more
information including membership, call Hugh Fryling at 258-3630.
• The Eagle Optimist Club meets every Tuesday at noon at Willowcreek Grill, 1065 E. Winding
Creek Drive. Call Gretchen Brown at 208-854-3623 or Mike Harris at 208-947-9368.
• The Eagle-Star Rotary Club meets every Thursdayat noon at Plantation Country Club, 6515
W. State Street. For additional information, call Robin Dodson at 373-1705 or e-mail dodsrobi
@isu.edu.
• First Friday ART IN EAGLE, 4:00-9:00 p.m. Sponsored by the Eagle Arts Commission. “Growing
and Celebrating the Arts to Strengthen Community.” Visit www.EagleArts.org.
• The Knitting Club, a group devoted to knitting items for various charitable organizations,
meets at Eagle Public Library, 100 N. Stierman Way, Eagle, Idaho 83616. For more information, call
Margaret at 939-7162
• Mad Hatters Knitting & Looming Grop meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 10:00
a.m. in the Meridian Senior Center Library at Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park.
• Meridian Lions Club meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursday mornings at Hampton Inn & Suites,
875 S. Allen Street, from 6:45 to 7:45 a.m. For additional information, call Loraine Hand at 376-5752.
• The Meridian Chamber of Commerce meets the 1st & 3rd Tuesday; RSVP to 888-2817.
• Meridian Kiwanis Club meets every Wednesday at noon at Louie’s, 888-0044.
• Meridian Lodge #47, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, meets the second Tuesday at
the Masonic Temple, 800 East 2nd Street, Meridian at 7:30 p.m. 888-1455.
• The Meridian Mayor’s Anti Drug Coaltion (MADC) meets the third Thursday of every month
at 4:00 p.m. in conference room A at City Hall. For information, call 846-7395.
• The Meridian Noon Lions meet the 2nd and 4th Thursdays at noon of each month at Fiesta
Guadalajara, 704 E. Fairview Avenue in Meridian. Guests are always welcome. For more info, contact
Del Oswald at 453-2134 or [email protected].
• Meridian Optimist Club meets every Wednesday at 7:00 a.m. at JB’s Restaurant, 1565 S.
Meridian Road, Meridian, 895-0419.
• Meridian Rotary Club meets Mondays at Meadowlake Village east of St. Luke’s Meridian
Medical Center at noon, 344-1117 or 439-6973.
• Native Daughters of Idaho meets the third Tuesday of the month from noon to 3:00 p.m.
September through June, at Faith Lutheran Church, 2915 S. Montana Avenue in Caldwell. Call Marilyn
Steiger, Publicity Chair, at 887-9794.
Valley Times urges readers to consider adopting a shelter pet. These adorable animals have been
spayed or neutered, vaccinated and socialized to become a new and instant part of your family. It’s
easy and affordable to complete the adoption process. We recommend Fuzzypawzrescue to help you
through each step; see Page 12. You may also contact the Meridian Valley Humane Society and/or
the Idaho Humane Society for opportunities to adopt that are literally endless.
Those without phone service should notify the Meridian Hotel, which has a day or night emergency
service.
Fifty Years Ago
Meridian News-Times
March 18th, 1965
The City of Meridian annexed the Dairy Show grounds, city park and Speedway. The area also
includes Meridian Bowling Lanes and the Don Coryell property.
Groundbreaking ceremonies were held for the new building of the Meridian Savings & Loan
Association, formerly Meridian Building and Loan. Located at E. First (Main) and Broadway, the
new building is scheduled for completion on June 15th.
Members of the Meridian Athletic Association (MAA) voted on Tuesday night to donate to the
high school the cost of the light installation and other work done at the Speedway to provide football
facilities for MHS. Members also voted to donate all parking lot proceeds for two nights to area Girl
Scouts. School and civic officials expressed appreciation to the MAA for what they termed “important additions to the long list of donations given by the MAA for the youths of our community. We are
indeed fortunate to have this group of hardworking volunteers who are so interested and so generous
to our boys and girls.”
Twenty-five Years Ago
Meridian News-Times
March 7th, 1990
Reaffirmation to proceed with a proposed court case to change the public school funding formula
was given by the Meridian School Board during its meeting on Monday night. Trustees directed Supt.
Nick Hallett to contact the other ten school districts which have joined with Meridian in seeking a
more equitable school funding formula to determine when to go ahead with the case.
Six MHS seniors receives honors from the National Merit Scholarship organization this month.
They are Bradford Okamoto, Sheri Gress, Michelle Johnson and Tim Spencer as finalists, James
Mayer as a semifinalist and Rick Cantrell as a commended student.
Renovation of the north river channel bridge along Linder Road west of Eagle will begin in the
next two to three months, it was announced on Monday.
Six students from the Meridian School District were among the four crews which participated in
simulated space flight as part of Space Expo at the Discovery Center in Boise last week. Students
included Jim Smith, Jill Bender, Jim Holm, Blair Christensen, Ryan Campbell and Mary Egbert.
(Ed. note: Lila Hill’s regular weekly column began on August 30th, 1990 in the weekly Valley
News, nearly a quarter of a century ago as her gift to the community.)
Valley Times
March 16, 2015
Page 5
ONE VET’S VIEW
John H. Burns, [email protected], www.rockofhonor.com,
Facebook: Rock of Honor, www.jhburns.com
President, Rock of Honor Memorial [email protected]
Telephone: 515-9200
A Rocky Mountain high
John H. Burns
Last Saturday night, I tuned off “Saddle Up Saturday” from my television and went to Rocky
Mountain High School’s production of a Broadway hit musical, “Once Upon a Mattress.”
I had seen the original when it was first presented in New York City, but this Meridian production
was a smash hit. It had all the exuberance and enthusiasm of youths giving their all, their very best
and then some.
I stood up, yelled and applauded when the performers made their curtain bows. That’s the way I
behave at a football game when a touchdown is made. That’s the way I behave when I’m excited and
impressed.
And as you can tell, I was impressed by the raw talent of the Rocky Mountain students. They
came on stage like “old pros.” They knew their lines. They knew their voices were strong and resilient.
They were so proud they lifted their songs to the rafters.
I was also impressed by the professionalism of the performers we did not see, the so-called
“backstagers” who, on cue, closed and opened the curtains, dimmed the lights and cued up the music.
They knew their jobs and came through on time and at the right moment for dramatic effect. Everything
came off without a hitch.
A good high school stage production is just as exciting as a
high school ballgame. It’s just a different playing field with a little
less physical exertion.We herald our sports teams with TV coverage
and newspaper articles. We should also acknowledge our other
talented young men and women
of our neighborhood schools
who transform themselves into
singing, acting and dancing
characters and entertain us with
their gifts. I believe from out of
this Rocky Mountain “Once
Upon A Mattress,” one or more
gifted performers will emerge as
future TV, Broadway and
Hollywood stars.
The teachers at RMHS are
to be commended for producing
a memorable production of
“Once Upon A Mattress.” It
should be taken on the road!
INSPIRE, the Idaho Connections Academy, is now meeting the needs of Eagle students who
learn better outside the traditional classroom setting. Education is changing as rapidly as our expanding
population to meet the needs of children and programs and facilities as well must adapt to the everchanging times. Become more informed about this fully accredited virtual public school serving
grades K-12 simply by visiting www.connections academy. com/idaho-online-school/events.aspx?
idEvent=11909.
Library organizers: Meridian Reads a success
By Cheri Rendler, Materials Services Manager, Meridian Library District
Meridian Library District wrapped up the first annual Meridian Reads program with a talk by
Anthony Doerr, author of All the Light We Cannot See.A companion title, Wonderstruck by Brian
Selznick, was chosen for children and families.
The philosophy behind Meridian Reads is to encourage our local community to read a thoughtprovoking book and participate in conversations and events around the topic of the book. Our hope
is to engage Meridian in a shared experience that fosters civic unity through the reading and discussion of literature. Over 350 people participated in related events and discussions, and the titles were
borrowed over 700 times during the program in January and February.The program was successful
due the efforts of library staff, community members and partners.
We would like to thank all those involved in bringing this program to the community, especially
Library Advisory Board members Alana Chapman and Ed Stevens and members of the Book Selection Committee, Dennis Hahs (Ada West School District), Lila Hill (Meridian History Center), James
Fullinwider (Meridian Chamber of Commerce), Shelley Houston (City of Meridian), Alana Chapman
and Greg Likins (Library). A big thank you also our partners, the City of Meridianand Mayor Tammy
deWeerd.
Want to get involved in the next Meridian Reads? Look soon for opportunities to join the book
selection committee and planning committee to determine the next year’s book and events.
Mailing address: IDAHO UNCLAIMED PROPERTY, P.O. BOX 83720, BOISE, ID 83720-9101
Telephone: 877-388-2942 (Toll Free), (208) 332-2942
Web Address: www.sto.idaho.gov, click on Unclaimed Property
Rebekah C. Braly, Eagle ID 83616; Eilene H. Evans, Eagle ID 83616; Leapfrog Consulting, Eagle ID
83616; Nora E Zurcher Tr, Eagle ID 83616; Karl Petters, Eagle ID 83616; M. Crago, Meridian ID 83642; Lisa
R. Duncan, Meridian ID 83642; Fred Fisher, Meridian ID 83680; Bishop A. Gravatt, Meridian ID 83642;
Tony L. Hodges, Meridian ID 83642; Edith L. Howell, Meridian ID 83642; Idaho Youth Encounter, Meridian
ID 83680; Robert Lanham, Meridian ID 83642; Ryan Lutz, Meridian ID 83642; L. Parodi, Meridian ID
83642; Liberty A. Peare, Meridian ID 83642; P. Roskowski, Meridian ID 83642; Nancy M. Sage, Meridian ID
83642; Alejandro Salivas, Meridian ID 83642; Linda A. Webber, Meridian ID 83680; Rachel C. Webber,
Meridian ID 83680; Western States Equipment, Meridian ID 83642; Robin K. Wilson, Meridian ID 83642;
Ernie Paul Wolcott, Meridian ID 83642; and Keri S. Pishl, Star ID 83669.
John Burns
Contributions are greatly
appreciated to the:
VETERANS ROCK OF
HONOR MEMORIAL
Post Office Box 1531
Meridian, ID 83680-1531
Ed. note: John Burns’ collections of short stories are available
from amazon.com; his publisher, Crystal Dreams; or himself at
[email protected]. They’re great reading & gifts!
A slow thaw...Plan ahead so you don’t need to use a microwave
oven to defrost your frozen food. Allow the food to defrost
overnight in the refrigerator. 1,001 Ways to Save the Earth (San
Francisco: Chronicle Books, 2007), number 118
The Meridian Senior Bridge group meets every Thursday
and Friday at 12:30 p.m. at Ten Mile Christian Church on the
northwest corner of Ten Mile and Franklin roads. Questions?
Call 288-2497.
Volunteers are still needed at the Meridian Senior Center, Julius
M. Kleiner Memorial Park, in the dining room from 10:30 a.m.1:30 p.m. and during Friday night Bingo from 5:00-9:00 p.m. Get
involved in your community by helping local seniors. You will
find the experience very rewarding as you give back to the
community that gives so much to all of us. Volunteering means
you get more by giving back. If you have time to volunteer during
the holiday season that is upon us, e-mail Mary at
[email protected]. For general information about the
center and its programs, call 888-555 during regular business hours.
There is nothing like helping those who have devoted their entire
lives to their family, friends and community.
Ada County’s electronics recycling program...Anytime between
7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Monday-Friday and from 8:00 a.m.-6:00
p.m. on Saturdays, the Ada County Landfill, 10300 N. Seaman’s
Gulch Road, accepts electronic equipment for recycling at no
charge. Bring old cell phones, cameras, computers, televisions etc.
and let the attendant know. Visit http://www. adacounty land
fill.com.
Eagle Lions holds membership drive
If you are looking for a way to make a difference in your
community, the Eagle Lions Club is looking for you.
The Lions Club is the largest service club in the world with
1.35 million members and 46,000 clubs in 200 countries. Lions
Clubs have helped in areas of sight and hearing, environmental
programs, raising awareness on health issues like diabetes and
work to improve health around the world.
The Lions Club gets
involved in local community projects to offer
help, money and support
to keep communities
strong. Learn more about
your local Lions Club
and how you can become
a member by calling 9390202 or 258-3630. Visit
www.be-a-lion.org.
Don’t drink and drive...A designated driver is as close as a local phone call. “Let us drive you home.” Safe transportation for
late nighters on the weekend in Meridian, Eagle, Star, Garden City
and Hidden Springs areas. Even a first-time DUI conviction can
cost upwards of $10,000 in fines, court costs and attorney fees. Did
you know that a third DUI is an automatic felony? You don’t need
that kind of hassle and longlasting grief. Protect yourself and your
assets and life safety. Be smart and stay safe. For more information, call 631-7744.
Want to make a difference? Get involved in a service club in
your community. Help yourself by assisting others to make where
you live and work a better place. It’sd easy; your local City Hall
and Chamber of Commerce have a list of clubs and other local
causes and needs.
Keep your shopping dollars close to
home...Where you shop for groceries and
what you buy matters. Always look for the
“Grown in Idaho®” seal when you shop for
potatoes at the local market. When it comes
to our state’s economic health, your shopping
habits matter a lot. For facts, tips and recipes,
visit www. idaho potato .com.
Page 6
Valley Times
March 16, 2015
Opinion - Editorial
‘Add No Words’ – The Concert
Will “Hildebeast,” as Michelle Obama and Valerie Jarrett refer to her, actually become the next
president? In our land where the center of power in the Beltway in Washington, D.C., routinely
ignores the nation’s wishes when it comes to illegal immigrants and foreign policy, anything is
possible including the coronation of Queen Hillary in January 2017. The former first lady may already be ordering pant suits for her next role. She is certainly sufficiently mean-spirited and adept in
lying to succeed the incumbent; indeed, her entire life has been one falsehood after another, beginning with her claim to have been named after Sir Edmund Hillary, conqueror of Mount Everest on
May 29, 1953. The problem? that occurred after she was born. She claimed to have come under
“sniper fire” in Kosovo when her husband, then-President Bill, was raining bombs on the local
population. Like the slips of the tongue by Brian Williams, that also proved to be a lie. As junior
Senator from Ark...er, New York, she was remarkably undistinguished. As Secretary of State, she and
her boss lied continually about Benghazi, asserting it was the result of an anti-Muslim video when
they knew it was not. She even told family members of one of the four Americans murdered in that
terrorist attack that the video maker would be brought to justice. This woman lies when the truth
would serve her better. Such is the result of lifelong habit. Currently would-be Queen Hillary is
under nonsniper fire for not using government e-mails as Secretary of State. Her retort? It’s no big
deal, it was simply more “convenient” for her not to follow policy or the law in this case as in any
other. The Clinton Foundation accepted millions from Arab nations where women are oppressed? No
problem. They would accept donations from practically any source, except from evil Republicans,
conser-vatives, tea partiers, veterans or other potential members of the vast right-wing conspiracy
she identified back when Bill was charged with having groped and fondled dozens of women. – FT
Horse racing businesses are owed due process
By Wayne Hoffman, President, Idaho Freedom Foundation
Credit the Coeur d’Alene Tribe with cleverness. It took me a while to realize exactly what the
tribe was up to with its Senate Bill 1011, but now I know. The tribe argues that the Legislature should
pass its bill to repeal historical horse racing. Historical horse racing is a type of gambling where,
sitting at a terminal, a player can bet on a horse race that occurred sometime in the past. The player
doesn’t know when or where the race took place, but using information generally found for live
races, he places a bet on the outcome of the race.
The tribe, which operates its own casinos with slot machines, contends that the historical horse
race terminals violate the Idaho Constitution’s ban on casino gambling. But the tribe isn’t valiantly
fighting to protect the state constitution. The tribe wants to kill off its competition. The tribe wants its
monopoly.
But that’s not all. Senate Bill 1011 would deprive historical horse racing operators located solely
in Post Falls, Boise and Idaho Falls of their right to due process. As one legislator told me, the tribe
“wants us to be judge, jury and executioner.”
It is true that there is some debate on whether the historical horse racing terminals violate the
Idaho Constitution. But the Legislature is the wrong place to hold such a debate; that is, unless you
want to deny the purveyors of the technology of due process, and that’s what the tribe is doing.
A cornerstone of our society, a bedrock of our federal Constitution, is the right to due process.
Twice our United States Constitution says that no person shall “be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law.” It is the only commandment of government that occurs in two
places—the Fifth Amendment and the 14th Amendment.
Senate Bill 1011 proposes to take away liberty, to most certainly take away property. Everyone is
entitled to due process, no matter how much we may support or oppose a particular behavior, action
or activity. Even if you oppose gambling, you have to concede that the people whose livelihoods are
dependent on historical horse racing still deserve due process under our system of government.
If Senate Bill 1011 fails, the question of the legality of historical horse racing would be decided
in a court of law, in front of an impartial tribunal. That tribunal would consider the evidence. And
who knows, the court may rule against the use of these terminals. But then
again, the court may support it. But both sides would be allowed to present
their evidence, and defend their positions. The most important thing is that
the people whose property and jobs are on the line would have had their
day in court.
On Wednesday and Thursday, members of the House State Affairs Committee were told that hundreds of jobs would be lost and millions of dollars
in investment in historical horse racing laid to waste under Senate Bill
1011. That’s something that should cause lawmakers to hit the pause button. Passage of the tribe’s legislation won’t strengthen the U.S. Constitution; it will take a torch to it by denying all those affected the right of due
Wayne Hoffman
process, which is precisely what the Coeur d’Alene Tribe is after.
Basic information:
Concert will be held March 26, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. in the Nampa
Civic Center Brandt auditorium; Nampa, ID. One-man, two-hour
show by Lance Wells features instrumental performances on piano, guitar and drum set.
Ticket prices and seating:
• Rows AA-D: $15.00 adult; $13.00 senior, student, or child
• Rows E-N : $11.00 adult; $8.00 senior, student, or child
• 640 seat capacity
Visit www.nampaciviccenter.com or or call (208)468-5555
Performer information:
Mr. Wells grew up in Caldwell, Idaho and has been performing music for more than 30 years. He graduated from Caldwell
High School in 1989 and from the University of Idaho in 1997. He
has performed as a solo artist and as an ensemble member in numerous Idaho cities, as well as in Seattle, New York City, Salt
Lake City, Washington, D.C., and Nashville. The “Add No Words”
concert will contain a wide variety of musical styles from various
eras… there will be something for everyone!
Charitable benefit information:
Twenty percent of gross ticket proceeds (after ticket agent’s
fees) are designated for the Klein family of Oregon. The family
faces financial hardship after their refusal to provide a cake for a
“gay wedding” based on their Christian faith. The performer’s goal
is to raise $1000.
Medical marijuana bill in Idaho legislature
A medical marijuana bill has been introduced in the Idaho legislature (S1106). Reportedly with no input from law enforcement
agencies, prosecutors, drug education groups or other interested
parties who follow this type of legislation around the country, the
sponsors of the bill seek to legalize CBDs (cannabidiol) for all
purposes for any person, at any place, at any time, in any amount,
and for whatever reason the user has. It is the most liberal and
open-ended legislation in the country and opponents say it would
make a mockery of the legislature’s recent resolve to avoid any
type of marijuana legalization.
Hearings were set for last week and many believe the bill has
been put on the fast track for approval. Opponents say while many
believe that the needs of pediatric victims of epilepsy should be
addressed immediately, this bill is clearly not the way to do so.
Everyone professes to be sympathetic to the needs of children
with epilepsy whose parents say they need this supplment. However, opponents content this bill is irresponsible in terms of the
unintended consequences it will bring to the entire state, which
include a totally unregulated market for CBDs that will not protect
these children.
According to Carissa Wolf in a recent issue of Boise Weekly.
twelve states have CBD oil exemptions on the books and 24 states
currently allow for the use of medical marijuana.
Cheryl Mulvihill of the Meridian Mayor’s Anti-Drug Coalition (MADC) provided the following recap:
“Senator McKenzie originally submitted a bill to legalize CBD
oil in Idaho. As written, it was the most liberal and open-ended
legislation in the country. After serious objections were made by
numerous groups including the Office of Drug Policy, police, prosecutors, drug coalitions and others, McKenzie made several amendments which have failed in the opinion of opponents to fix most of
the problems. A second bill has now been filed.
“Our side has offered the committee two excellent alternatives
to this legislation which would provide CBD oil only through an
FDA-approved clinical trial and expanded access program (pharmaceutical-grade CBDs provided free of charge as part of a research study). These programs could be implemented without
changing Idaho law and creating the same host of problems seen
in other states.
“Of course, New Approach Idaho and other pro-marijuana
groups are supporting the McKenzie bill (but most would like to
see it include crude marijuana as “medicine.”). Many of these
groups have the ultimate goal of legalizing pot in Idaho for recreational purposes, and CBD legalization is merely a stepping stone.
“Here are links to S1106 and S1146:
• http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/legislation/2015/S1106.pdf;
and
•http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/legislation/2015/S1146.pdf.”
Join the dialogue: E-mail your letter to the editor or guest opinion piece to [email protected]. Deadline is every Friday at noon for the following Monday’s issue. Let your voice be
heard.
Valley Times
March 16, 2015
Page 7
Poll shows Idaho residents support local option
taxation authority for economic development
Published continuously in Western Ada County since August 2000
Valley Times
Now in our fifteenth year of continuous publication in western Ada County
Published every Monday by Valley Times, LLC
Current issue available on the web site: www.valleytimesidaho.com
Publisher/Editor: Valley Times, LLC
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1790, Eagle ID 83616
Fax: 381-0160 • web site: www.valleytimesidaho.com
Advertising/subscription information: Call 407-5224
E-mail: [email protected]
Reporter/Photographer: Anita Torres
Subscription price: $38 yr./$45 out-of-state
Newsstand price: 50 cents per copy
Periodicals postage paid at Eagle, Idaho 83616 under USPS No. 010-467
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Valley Times, LLC, Box 1790,
Eagle ID 83616
Contributors: Lila Hill, Becky McKinstry, John H. Burns and Rich Nesbit
Member: Eagle Chamber of Commerce (Community Partner Award, 2013),
Meridian Chamber of Commerce (Small Business Award, 2010)
Meridian Downtown Business Association (Board member, 2014)
Bills will not fix Idaho’s highway woes
Idahoans want transparency, accountability and fairness
BOISE – Several last-minute bills designed to secure future
funding to meet a $262 million annual shortfall for roads and
bridges will take Idaho down the wrong road, threatening the integrity of the user-pay system as well as the stability of the state’s
General Fund, according to AAA Idaho.
Two of three bills introduced last week target passenger vehicles for the biggest share of the fix, counter to the public sentiment expressed in three statewide surveys and at odds with the
findings of several state studies in the past decade, AAA says. All
three pieces of legislation also include components that rely on
General Fund contributions, which could spell trouble for education and other state needs.
AAA says none of the legislation drafted addresses the underlying problems with the state’s user-pay fees and taxes, which could
threaten the long-term viability of transportation funding.
ITD state-funded studies show among other things that longhaul interstate trucks underpay their share of costs incurred on
Idaho highways, especially compared to the per-mile costs of competing Idaho-based intrastate haulers. The motoring group says
Idaho’s Highway Cost Allocation Study, whose findings were accepted by the Governors funding task force, also identified major
inequities between what cars and combination trucks pay.
AAA provided a funding plan, including a basic mileage surcharge structure to state leaders a month ago that would have addressed problems with the current truck registration structure. That
structure’s viability has been questioned in the past dozen years
due to the loss of tens of millions of dollars in revenues to the
state’s Highway Distribution Account.
None of input showed up in the bills that have been printed
this legislative session, AAA said.
“That’s unfortunate,” said Dave Carlson, AAA’s Director of
Public and Government Affairs, because getting everyone to pay
their fair share expands the taxable base and could better address
Idaho’s huge revenue shortfall.
AAA says the a 5-cent fuel tax in Rep. Vander Woude’s HB
266, coupled with a 2-cent transfer fee—itself also a gas tax—
would generate more than $63 million annually for roads and
bridges, with just $10.4 million per year coming from trucks registered at 26,000 lbs. and above, based on ITD data.
Out-of-state trucks can also avoid higher fuel prices by filling
up out of state, an option not available to other users.
A scenario referenced in Idaho’s 2010 Highway Cost Allocation Study shows the state’s funding structure is so out of balance
that the diesel tax for combination trucks would need to be well in
excess of $1.00 a gallon to cover the costs incurred by those vehicles.
AAA says it also troubled by the lack of transparency regarding transfer fees. The fee mechanism is part of the Idaho Petroleum Clean Water Trust Fund, which provides an insurance pool
for the owners of underground storage tanks. The current one-cent
transfer fee is paid by Idaho petroleum dealers and funds an insurance pool for owners of underground store tanks.
The additional two cent fee would also be paid by the distributor, but it is clear that the fee would be passed on to consumers as
a higher price for the fuel they purchase.
“Idahoans want and deserve a funding solution that is transparent,” Carlson said. “Let’s be honest and tell Idahoans this is a
gas tax.”
(Continued in next columns, across and above at right)
BOISE – A new poll shows that the majority of Idaho residents support local option taxation
authority to help fund local infrastructure projects. Furthermore, Idahoans strongly support the use
of local government funding for public infrastructure projects for redeveloping their community,
attracting and growing businesses, and growing Idaho’s economy. The Idaho Chamber Alliance has
long-supported local option taxing authority to be used for community economic development projects,
infrastructure, and transportation needs.
According to the poll, 52% of respondents support the use of a local option sales tax authority to
help fund local infrastructure projects. More specifically, 79% of respondents support the use of
local government funding for public infrastructure projects for community redevelopment. In addition, 84%of those polled support the use of local government funding to attract and grow businesses
and 85% support the use of local government funding to grow Idaho’s economy.
“Currently, a gap exists between what Idaho state and local governments are able to do for
economic development and what they could be doing,” said Shawn Barigar, Idaho Chamber Alliance
Past Chair and President & CEO of the Twin Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. “Local option
authority could fill this existing gap and allow communities to better position themselves for economic development and growth.”
“This poll demonstrates what we’ve been hearing anecdotally for years; Idaho residents want
local option for economic development purposes, said Idaho Chamber Alliance Chairman Bill Connors.
“The Idaho Chamber Alliance strongly urges the Idaho Legislature to consider the results of this poll
and grant such authority to local taxing districts.”
The poll was conducted by Dan Jones & Associates on behalf of Zions Bank the week of February 17-25, 2015. 607 Idaho residents were chosen as part of a random sample, producing a .95
confidence level with a 5% margin of error.
About Idaho Chamber Alliance: The Idaho Chamber Alliance was formed in the fall of 2006 to allow
chambers across the state to speak with a unified voice in the Idaho Legislature. In addition to legislative
advocacy efforts, the Alliance provides professional training opportunities for Chamber staff and scholarship
opportunities for national chamber-related conferences and programs, as well as other appropriate professional development activities.
Student loan changes should include wiser borrowing
By Robb Hicken, Better Business Bureau
Finding money for a college education doesn’t have to be painful or costly, Shelley High School
Counselor Darrell Behunin says.
“The letter states, ‘The seminar is free, and any further services provided by (Right C3) will cost
you $3000,’” he reads. And he pauses. “There are free seminars every where on financial aid. We
offer them right here in the high school.”
Behunin became concerned after a student brought a solicitation to help students with college
financial aid planning. Letters were sent out to seniors in the Upper Snake River region this past
week inviting them to attend a financial aid seminar in Idaho Falls on March 21 and 22. Right C3, of
Las Vegas, Nev., has a B- rating with the Better Business Bureau.
“I just want students to know they don’t have to pay for these services,” he says.
Better Business Bureau recommends students do their homework before borrowing against future earnings. Review with high school and college counselors all scholarship and grant options
before seeking loan options. Remember, the money must be paid back. Federal loans offer low rates
and guarantees often not seen in private financial aid programs.
Federal loans subject to oversight and regulation by the federal government, include:
• Direct Loans: the U.S. Department of Education is the lender;
• Federal Family Education Loans (FFEL): private lenders make loans backed by the federal
government;
• Federal Perkins Loans.
Private loans, sometimes referred to as “alternative loans,” are offered by private lenders and do
not include the benefits and protections available with federal loans.
Private loans tend to have higher fees and interest rates than federal government loans. Private
loans also do not offer the opportunities for cancellation or loan forgiveness that are available on
many federal loan programs. Therefore, it is in the best interest of the student to use as many federal
student loan options before seeking private loans.
Here are 7 items to remember:
• Some private lenders and their marketers use names, seals, logos, or other representations
similar to those of government agencies to create the false or misleading impression that they are
part of or affiliated with the federal government and its student loan programs. Beware of incentives
that may divert the consumer’s attention from the loan terms. (Continued on Page 8)
Despite minor window dressing, the plans in HB 144, HB 260, and HB 266 are alike in that they
give long-haul combination trucks a pass, even though the state has been aware for a dozen years that
these vehicles have been underpaying their fair share of the ride,” said AAA Idaho spokesman Dave
Carlson.
Registration Fees: Cars, 25%; Trucks 5%
HB 266, the House sponsored bill from Rep. Vander Woude, targets passenger registration fees
for a 25 percent increase, compared to just five (5) percent for all trucks. That strategy was tried in
prior years, AAA says, but Idahoans railed against the idea, asking why trucks were getting a pass.
AAA says its members and the driving public deserve to know why registration fee legislation
starts and ends with the notion that cars should pay a greater share of the bill. HB 144, an earlier
offering from Rep. Joe Palmer, would have raised passenger vehicle registrations by 50 percent,
compared to 25 percent for trucks.
The auto club, which represents 120,000 Idaho members, said it considered its engagement with
officials to part of good faith negotiating to address a problem it says clearly requires sizable and
user-appropriate contributions from everyone who uses the road.
“We appreciate that legislators are grappling with the tough job of securing future funding, but
we are convinced that Idaho taxpayers, not just certain business interests, should be invited to the
table,” Carlson said. “We cannot support legislation that does not address these important issues.
Page 8
Meridian Police Employee Association
(MPEA) sponsors scholarship program
The MPEA scholarship program provides four (4) $500.00 individual scholarships for applicants who reside, work, volunteer,
or attend school in the City of Meridian. Two (2) of these scholarships will be awarded to current MPEA members or an MPEA
member’s immediate family member. The additional two (2) scholarships will be awarded to members of the Meridian community.
The applicant must plan to attend an accredited college or vocational education program in the fall of 2015. The scholarship is
conditional upon the recipient’s enrollment at an accredited college or vocational education program and is a non-renewable grant.
Any student wishing to apply for a scholarship must have a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA including one complete term (semester
or trimester) of their last academic year.
The application form for MPEA academic scholarship program is on the web site, www.mpeaidaho.org. To apply, print it,
complete it and mail it to ATTN: MPEA Scholarship, 1401. E.
Watertower St., Meridian, ID 83642. At this time it is not possible
to submit your MPEA Scholarship application form electronically.
The scholarship application form is due on April 15, 2015.
Recipients will be selected by the MPEA Scholarship Committee.
The selection process will be completed by May 1, 2015. All applicants will be notified by mail of the selection committee’s decisions.
The following are important points for all students interested
in applying for a scholarship with MPEA:
• The completed application form must be postmarked by April
15, 2015.
• All required information must be included with the application form at the time it is submitted (This includes any transcripts,
letters of recommendation, etc).
• The applicant must have a minimum 2.50 un-weighted GPA.
• The entire application must be submitted at the same time, in
one packet, to ensure all required information is present during the
evaluation and selection process.
Any questions about the scholarship or application process
should be directed to Sergeant John Gonzales with the Meridian
Police Department at 208-846-7397.
th
Valley Times
March 16, 2015
Student loan changes should include wiser borrowing (continued from Page 7)
• The U.S. Department of Education does not send advertisements or mailers, or otherwise solicit
consumers to borrow money. If you receive an advertisement or mailer, it did not come from the
Department of Education.
· Private student lenders typically ask for your student account number, Social Security number (SSN) or Personal Identification Number (PIN) — saying they need it to help determine eligibility.
Be cautious about consolidating federal loans and private loans into one private loan. The result
of consolidating all loans into one nonfederal private loan means that you lose all the benefits and
protections provided in the federal loan programs. Federal student loans can be consolidated directly with the Department of Education.
(Ed. note: The current Administration should focus more on helping college students neck-deep
in debt and less on providing free community college tuition.)
Home tour helps out children with cancer,
families through Camp Rainbow Gold
BSU offers three-week NSF-funded
software security summer program
BOISE – Michael Heinz with Heinz Built Homes is proud to present the Home of Distinction
located within the Legacy Subdivision at 6261 W Founders Drive, Eagle ID 83616. From April 3rd
through April 19th, the public is invited to tour this beautiful villa.
While showcasing the latest building products and design trends, the tour will raise funds for a
wonderful cause. Camp Rainbow Gold will receive 100% of the proceeds from tour ticket sales.
Tickets for the tour can be purchased for $8 at the home.
About the Home
This is a welcoming, sprawling villa, with European Country design. Located overlooking a 7
acre lake in the Legacy subdivision in Eagle, Idaho, with the foothills for backdrop. This home
shows attention to detail with its warm palette and its comfortable and efficient layout along with
elegant architectural woodwork throughout the home, including beamed ceilings.
It has five bedrooms, 5.5 baths, 5 car garage shop, storage rooms, kitchen, eating area and a great
room with a full bar. There is an exercise room, large utility, game room, master suite with split
vanities, two walk-in closets, soaking tub, walk-in shower and privacy garden. A sweeping staircase
leads to the upper floor.
Relax with the large wrap around pool with fire pots and water features, lounging gazebo, BBQ
gazebo, covered patio and additional trellis covered area.
The Heinz family has built custom homes in all price categories from small entry level homes for
first time buyers or empty nesters, to large estates in the greater Treasure Valley area in the State of
Idaho. It does not matter if it is a standard building lot that is ready to build on or an acreage piece
that needs to be developed with access roads and power, water, septic, etc., they can handle the
project.
Camp Rainbow Gold brings community, love and silliness into the tough, trying and painful
world of childhood cancer by improving the spiritual, mental and physical health of children and
their families
Connecting people with the outdoors in an unmatched setting and providing physical challenges
provokes interest and inquiry, ultimately building confidence and enabling the campers to heal emotionally so their lives are not burdened by their illness, but instead empowered by their experience
overcoming it. It’s a place where joy and laughter reign and the burden of illness is temporarily
lifted…a place where the bond of friendship is stronger than cancer.
The programs at Camp Rainbow Gold seek to honor the individuality of each child by offering
experiences that are diverse, thrilling and inspiring in the hopes that the children and families find a
sense of peace, the opportunity to heal and a bond within their Idaho community.
Direction to the home
From the city of Eagle, head west on Hwy 44 / State Street to Linder Road. Turn right onto
Linder Road heading North to Floating Feather Rd. Turn Left onto Floating Feather Road heading
West and turn Left into the Legacy Subdivision on N. Champions Way. Turn Right onto W. Founders
Drive. Follow W. Founders Drive to the end. Home is located last house on the left at the corner of W.
Founders Drive and N. Luge Way.
For more information, visit www.HomeOfDistinction.com and click on Boise
With funding from the National Science Foundation, Boise
State will begin offering a nine-week summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Site this summer, focused on software security. The REU will be based in the Department of Computer Science.
The grant will support groups of 10 undergraduate students
each summer for three years as they develop confidence as researchers and scientists. Five of the students selected each year
will be from Boise State, and another five will be from other universities across the nation. In addition to tutorials and workshops,
selected students will participate in field trips to local industry.
Students may apply through March 31 at coen.boisestate.edu/
cs/reu/application. Each student selected will receive a total stipend of $4,500, housing, meals and reimbursement of travel expenses from their home school to Boise State. The program runs
from June 1-July 31, 2015.
As a sub-field of cybersecurity, software security is an increasingly urgent national priority, particularly in the Treasure Valley,
which is home to a number of software companies. Several recent
high-profile cyber-attacks can be traced back to software vulnerabilities. ”This new REU site will provide undergraduate students
with a competitive research experience and motivate them to pursue graduate studies,” said Dianxiang Xu, professor of computer
science and principal investigator for the program.
Learn more at http://coen.boisestate.edu/cs/reu.
By Eagle Police Chief Patrick Calley
Traffic safety is a leading initiative for the Eagle Police Department. Traffic safety should be a
responsibility for everyone. This includes drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
Preliminary statistics from the Idaho Office of Highway Safety show that 186 people lost their
lives on Idaho Highways in 2014. Eagle has not had a fatal crash on our streets since 2011. The
Office of Highway Safety has declared 2015 as the year of combating distracted driving in Idaho.
Distracted driving includes three types: Taking your eyes from the road, taking your hands off
the wheel and taking your mind off the road.
Visual, manual and cognitive distractions were involved in at least 21% of all crashes. Unfortunately, 44% of fatal distraction crashes involved a single vehicle.
This is how individuals can combat the fatal impact of distracted driving. You are making our
roads safer by keeping your eyes on the road, hands on the wheel and your mind engaged in the
drive.
Texting is a horrible distraction that includes all three elements. Sending or reading a text takes
the driver’s eyes, hands and mind away from the serious business of driving for about five seconds.
This is like driving with your eyes closed at 55 miles an hour.
This fight should be easy. We all need to put our cell phones away while we drive.
Let’s commit to being engaged drivers who care about traffic safety. If you don’t, you can expect
a citation, at best, or a crash, at worst. The pace of the world has put us in a position to feel pressured
to remain connected. Maybe we collectively can change this social influence in a positive manner.
We can do this. We can put our phones away for the drive.
We must set the example for our future drivers. I appreciate your time snd let’s continue to stay
safe.
Eagle OKs two resolutions March 10
Approved at the March 10th Eagle City Council meeting:
• Resolution 15-08, establishing a fee schedule for the library
meeting room rental fees and computer use pass fee was unanimously approved. Bob Van Arnem provided comments at the public hearing.
• Resolution 15-09, establishing a fee schedule for recreation
programs coordinated by the Eagle Parks & Recreation Department was unanimously approved. No one provided comments at
the public hearing.
Chrome fit for a king...To make your chrome fittings gleam,
apply a few drops of white vinegar or organic baby oil with a cloth
or sponge, or rub with the shiny side of a piece of aluminum foil.
Joanna Yarrow, 1,001 Ways to Save the Earth, number 729
Let’s put our cellphones away while we drive
March 16, 2015
Valley Times
Page 9
Smiths experience problems with Tri-City
Meats demolition work at Eagle, State corner
Rembrandt’s cement for dumpster pad from Smith property.
EAGLE – Since improving their property and retired gas station on the corner of Eagle Road and
State Street and listing it for sale, the owners have yet again experienced an increasing problem with
trespassers once they removed the jersey barriers. While contractors hired by the Urban Renewal
Agency to demolish the Tri-City Meats structures have been the main offenders, motorists seeking to
avoid the brief wait at the signal of the intersection have taken to driving through the property, as
well. She added that children on bicycles have been spotted riding through the piles of rubble.
Police have been called to the site multiple times each day despite the posted “No Trespassing,
No Parking and Tow at Owner’s Expense signs.” The police have given warnings, yet no citations
were issued. The police have also advised the owners that removing the old barriers may not have
been in the Smiths’ or anyone else’s best interest, given the renewed increase in trespassing activity.
Construction barriers now stand on the property.
“Something had to be done,” said Sandy Smith. “Our concerns for public safety, our liability and
our rights as property owners had to be addressed since the URA and City of Eagle didn’t address
any public safety issues for Tri-City’s demolition site.”
The Smiths’ attorney, Chad Lamar, requested at the URA meeting on March 3rd that the Board
please instruct their contractors to not use the Smiths’ property without getting a temporary construction easement permit. The Smiths’ concerns regarding public safety and misuse of their site by
the URA’s contractors were certainly valid. URA Board member Mark Butler agreed and instructed
agency attorney Todd Lakey to contact the appropriate parties and correct the problem. “For whatever reason, this seems not to have occurred,” Sandy said.
The Smiths and others question whether the demolition work is being performed to city code
and EPA guidelines. Property perimeters have not been coned or fenced off. There are no warning
signs or portable restrooms. Dust and debris have been allowed to fly freely.
Rubble, one remaining house, tree removal and lot grading are still pending on the Tri-City
property before new materials can be added to create the temporary parking lot planned for the
duration of the Urban Renewal Agency’s two-year lease agreement with Tri-City Meats’ owners.
Only one short piece of caution tape is visible in this photo.
At left, contractors haul covered asbestos from Tri-City Meats through Smiths’ property.
Front view of former Tri-City Meats building just prior to its
demolition.
Drivers, put away cellphones (cont. from Page 8)
The Smiths say that Intermountain Gas trucks and other vehicles park on their property without permission, compounding the trespassing problems related to motorists in general.
This adult female driver is texting while driving. Note the
infant in the rear car seat.
This adult male driver is focusing on his Ipad, not the road.
Eagle Firemen use demolition of old house on former Tri-City Meats property as a training
exercise. (Photo: Eagle Informer)
Valley Times
Page 10
Idaho Power releases 50,000 rainbow
trout into C.J. Strike Reservoir
The spring release of pan-sized trout at two locations along the reservoir is good news for anglers
who enjoy one of southern Idaho’s most popular fishing spots.
BOISE – Idaho Power has added 50,000 rainbow trout to C.J. Strike Reservoir, a favorite spot
for southern Idaho anglers.
Tanker trucks hauled the 10-inch trout from a hatchery in the Hagerman Valley to the reservoir
located about 20 miles southwest of Mountain Home earlier this week. The fish deliveries were split
between the Jack’s Creek and Cottonwood sportsman accesses.
“Providing recreational fishing opportunities is a big part of our environmental efforts,” said
Idaho Power biologist Ben Reingold. The company will put trout in American Falls Reservoir and
catfish into Milner Reservoir later in the spring, in addition to its planned fall release of trout into the
Mid-Snake River.
Many of the trout will be caught the same year they are released. Those that aren’t caught can
grow several inches per year. In addition to fishing for trout, anglers visit C.J. Strike for bass, crappie, yellow perch and other game species.
(Continued in next columns, across and above at right)
Released fish enter the reservoir water with exuberance.
March 9, 2015
Idaho Power’s federal licenses to operate its hydroelectric facilities on the Snake River require the company to preserve and
enhance recreational opportunities. This includes maintaining more
than 50 parks, boat ramps and day-use areas along the Snake River.
More information about these facilities can be found at
idahopower.com/recreation.
C.J. Strike Reservoir covers about 7,500 acres at the confluence
of the Bruneau and Snake Rivers. C.J. Strike Dam has a nameplate
capacity of 82.8 megawatts, enough to power roughly 57,000
homes.
Old adage...Give a man a fish and he will enjoy a meal. But if
you teach a man how to fish, he will rest and relax all day in a boat,
napping with the pole laying overboard at an angle while snoozing
in the sun.
March 9, 2015
Valley Times
Page 11
seniors,” said Grant Jones, director of Metro Meals
on Wheels. “This will have such a tremendous impact on seniors throughout the county.”
Plans are already under way for the second
annual march next year, and Food Services of
America has committed to donate money to Metro
Meals on Wheels for each walker.
At right, seniors turned out
en masse to support the
event that ‘will have such a
tremendous impact on
seniors throughout the
county,’ said local event
director Grant Jones.
Marchers of all ages supported the event in Meridian.
Local March for Meals in J.M. Kleiner
Memorial Park is the largest in America
Metro Meals on Wheels’ first March for Meals “march” event
drew nearly 400 walkers at Meridian’s Kleiner Park on Saturday
and earned the title as the largest “march” event in the country.
The walk was part of a month-long March for Meals national
campaign intended to spotlight the issue of senior hunger in this
country. One in seven seniors faces food insecurity on a regular
basis, and the importance of the Meals on Wheels program as a
solution to the issue for senior citizens.
Food Services of America donated $5 per marcher, or $2,000,
to Metro Meals on Wheels. The donation translates into 400 hot,
nutritious meals for homebound senior citizens in Ada County.
Metro Meals on Wheels delivers and serves over 800 such
meals each weekday to senior citizens throughout Ada County.
The program allows many of the seniors to live in their own homes
and remain independent.
“We are so grateful for the widespread community support
and generosity of Food Services of America for our homebound
(Continued in next columns, above at right)
Kickstarter for family owned and operated
hard cider company starting in Boise in 2015
BOISE – On March 2nd, Leadbetter Cider Company launched a kickstarter campaign hoping to
raise $30,000 before April 1st, 2015.
If the funding is successful, they will use the money to buy necessary equipment for the operation of the cidery; such as filtration and pasteurization units. Rewards for donations and more information on the Kickstarter including a video may be found on their Kickstarter page: https://
www.kickstarter.com/projects/1874676048/leadbetter-cider-company.
A kickstarter party will be held on Saturday, March 21st from 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at the Outdoor Exchange, 1415 W. Grove Street. Prizes will be raffled off including a five-day pass to Treefort
Music Festival. Snacks will be provided by City Peanut Shop and the B-Town Bistro food truck will
be on hand. For more information, check out the event page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
events/342947985893992/
Leadbetter Cider Company is being started by Gig and Ann Leadbetter
and their daughters, Molly and Kate.
This family adventure was spurred by
Gig and Ann retiring from university
teaching and Molly and Kate moving
away from seasonal work in the Forest Service as wildland firefighters. All
four are excited about this new venture and are planning to start working
closely with local Idaho charities and
nonprofits as soon as they start producing. For more information, visit the
web site at www.leadbettercider.com.
Leadbetter Cider is made with northwestern apples and never processed with artificial ingredients. It is sweetened with only natural juice and no added sugars. The cider is never diluted with
water, giving Leadbetter Cider a much deeper and more complex flavor than mass market ciders.
Every batch of cider is handcrafted, hand-bottled and hand-labeled, leaving little room for error.
Cider is the fastest growing alcohol industry in the country but relatively foreign in the Boise
area. Only Longdrop and Leadbetter cider companies are set to open in 2015.
Leadbetter Cider will launch with five flavors: semi-sweet, semi-dry, hopped, ginger and cherry.
All five will be available in draft and 22-ounce bottles. Semi-sweet and ginger will be released in
cans later in the year.
Cider lovers, now you don’t have to wait for fall to savor the flavor of this deliciou product. For
more information, comments or questions, contact Molly Leadbetter, Leadbetter Cider Company,
5272 Chinden Boulevard, Garden City, ID 83702, phonhe (970) 270-1025 or e-mail
molly@leadbettercider.
Call or visit any of our financial
advisors in the Meridian area. To
find an Edward Jones office near
you, call 1-800-EDJONES or visit
ww.edwardjones.com
Valley Times
Page 12
March 16, 2015
fuzzypawzrescue
Track your tax refund progress on-line
Hello! My name is Belle and I’m a 2-year-old, 16-pound sweetheart
in need of a home of my own. Yeah, yeah I know what you’re thinking,
“Sixteen pounds? Honey, you need a diet!” I say there is just more of me
to love! I lived behind a restaurant for a while (maybe that is where I
found my love of food) but was rescued by a nice lady who is now my
foster mom. As much as I like her, I want to have my own family. I live
with two other cats and we all get along great! I don’t think I’ve ever
been around dogs, but my brother (who has already been adopted) is
living with a dog and seems to enjoy it. I like to sit with you and love
getting petted. I will be your best friend if you give me a chance! If you
can give me a warm, loving home, please fill out an adoption application
at http://fuzzypawzrescue.com/adopt/adoption-application-2/. My
adoption fee is $10. I am spayed and vaccinated.
BOISE – If you want to know the status of your Idaho income
tax refund, go to the Idaho State Tax Commission web site at
tax.idaho.gov and click on the “Where’s my refund?” link on the
home page.
You may also get a refund update by calling the Tax Commission’s automated phone number at 364-7389 in the Boise area or
toll free at (888) 228-5770.
Both refund services are available 24 hours a day. To get your
refund status, you must provide your Social Security number and
the amount of your expected refund.
“All returns go through accuracy checks and a fraud review
before we issue any refunds, to ensure the refunds are issued to the
people who are supposed to receive them,” said Doreen Warren,
Revenue Operations administrator for the Tax Commission. “These
reviews have been very effective; last year, we identified more
than 1,000 confirmed fraudulent returns and stopped almost $1.4
million from being paid to those who weren’t entitled to the refund.”
When you file your taxes online, you can usually begin tracking your refund three to five business days after you receive your
acknowledgment email from the Tax Commission. The refund
should arrive within seven weeks of the e-mail you get from the
state. If you file a paper return, you can expect to wait three weeks
to track your refund status. The refund should arrive in up to 10
weeks.
For more information about Idaho taxes, visit tax.idaho.gov.
You may also get answers to your basic tax questions by calling
the Tax Commission at 334-7660 in the Boise area or toll free at
(800) 972-7660.
Mature gentleman seeks calm and loving partner for leisurely walks,
quiet evenings at home and snuggle time. My name is Tippy and I am a
10-year-old Australian Shepherd/Labrador Retriever mix. I enjoy soft
music, good food, relaxing time together and the occasional walk on the
beach (a park or your neighborhood works, too). I’ll be at the front door
when you get home, wearing a smile and ready to meet your every need.
I am house trained, know my basic commands and I aim to please. I
prefer low-key friends and seek a tranquil home without young children. I can usually be found wherever my foster mom is but will go relax
on the sofa or a nice heated bed if she is busy. I am a harmonious bloke
who does not get riled up by much; however, I do tend to guard my food
and bones and I admit I’m a bit too interested in cats so I shouldn’t live
with one. I enjoy going places and ride very well in the car, although I
may need a bit of help getting into higher vehicles. I have a full coat of
stunning black/brown/white hair that requires weekly brushing. I am
current on all my vaccinations, microchipped, neutered and have even
had a dental cleaning! Since I am a seasoned fellow, I take a joint supplement each day to keep me in my prime. If you think you are my perfect
match, let me know by telling me all about yourself here: http://
fuzzypawzrescue.com/adopt/adoption-application-2/. My adoption fee
is $40.
Valley Times recently visited the Idaho Humane Society and ufound
the overwhelemed shelter and its com-passionate volunteers needs your
help; especially awaiting your arrival and assistance are many loving
pets stuck in cages until rescued by loving new owners.
59 N. Five Mile Rd.
Boise
378-9887
Belle
Readers, please consider
adopting a shelter pet when it’s
time to add a loving, furry family
member. There are thousands of
cats and dogs who need nurturing
homes awaiting your visit right
here in western Ada Couny to meet
your ‘furever’ friend.
Tippy
Seniors fall prey to prize giveaway scams (Cont. from Page 7)
The BBB offers the following advice for consumers doing
business with mail order or internet companies offering sweepstakes prizes:
• Do your homework. Ask whether this is, in fact, a legitimate company and whether it has awarded sweepstakes prizes in
the past.
• Study your odds of winning. Federal law requires companies to include a notice outlining odds of winning various
prizes.
• Understand that making
a purchase does not increase
your chance of winning. Under
the law, anyone entering a
company’s sweepstakes contest
has an equal chance of winning
whether he or she orders anything.
• Monitor the activities of
loved ones carefully to keep
them from spending large
amounts of money in attempts
to win a sweepstakes.
The FBI said some seniors
may suffer from cognitive and
perceptual impairments, which
makes them vulnerable to deceptive advertising practices.
210 Fairview Avenue
Meridian
3321 S. Federal Way
Boise
888-4145
342-9270
Vietnam Veterans
Chapter 1025
22 E. Broadway
American Legion Hall
Meridian
Meeting time 7:00 p.m.
First Tuesday of the month
Spouses are invited, too.
March 16, 2015
Valley Times
Eagle denies M3 request for fee waiver
The Eagle City Council at its March 10th meeting voted 4-0 to deny a request for a fee waiver
from M3 Companies Eagle for $21,365.32 in city planning staff, legal and engineering charges
associated with Spring Valley Subdivision No. 1 (PP-06-12).
In a letter to Mayor Reynolds and Council members dated January 5th, Bill Brownlee of M3
Companies wrote that the contested billings “are related to normal City functions” (e.g., general
meeting time), that the reimbursement agreement is for “overhead incurred which is not covered by
a City fee,” that the “daily duties of the City staff or its attorneys or consultants do not qualify” for
reimbursement (since daily duties are allegedly not related to the review and processing of development submittals) and that he doesn’t believe “there is another developer who has reimbursed the City
of Eagle approximately $1,000,000 over the last seven years. Furthermore, I doubt that the City is
charging all developers the same amount of additional engineering fees to process preliminary plats.”
Four preliminary plat submittals were reviewed and processed.
(Continued in next columns, above at right)
Eagle denies Predico E.P. Subdivision 4-0
The Eagle City Council on March 10th voted 4-0 to deny RZ-06-14 and PP-08-14, a request by
Eagle M.F. Partners, LLC, represented by Doug Russell with The Land Group, for a rezone with
development agreement from A (Agricultural, up to one unit per 20 acres), A-R (Agricultural-Residential, up to one unit per five acres) and R-2-DA-P (Residential, up to two units per acre with a
development agreement) with a height exception and preliminary plat for a four-lot (three commercial, one residential) project on 10.68 acres on the northeast corner of W. State Street and State
Highway 44. The residential project contained 88 units.
Applicant attorney Joann Butler said, “We spent a year back in 1999 working with ITD (Idaho
Transportation Department) on the realignment of Ballantyne and State for (former applicant) Capital Development on additional buffering and landscaping to protect future residents of Countryside
Estates.”
In 2000, the then-applicant received approvals for the realignment with mixed use, and multifamily homes, “the first in that area,” she said. “We’ve put a great deal of thought into transition and
this is a compatible development. It’s been identified as mixed use with 10 dwelling units per acre for
the last 15 years.”
She said the height exception requested was only for 3’, 7" above the allowed 35 feet “to maintain gabled roofs” of Craftsman-style buildings. Russell said the project featured 50 percent of open
space.
“The impacts to Countryside Estates are going to be very minimal from a visual perspective,” he
said. “This project can work here.”
The council chambers filled with homeowners from Countryside and other subdivisions turned
out to oppose the project.
“We care about our community and our future,” said Karianne Fallow, whose family lives in
Pine Ridge Subdivision. “Like President Reagan said, ‘Trust, but verify.’ The Planning & Zoning
Commission made an adequate and accurate decision” in recommending denial.
Karen Howell testified, “The impact on schools is our problem. Responsible growth should be
gradual and manageable. Mixed use does not need to translate into three-story growth.” The West
Ada School District did not respond to the city’s transmittal, equivalent to having no concerns.
Former developer Jim Cummings said, “A tot lot is not a playground. The kids will cross Highway 44 to the trail along the river. There’s no crosswalk. You’re going to splatter some kids on that
highway.”
Councilman Mark Butler said the apartment buildings “are too overbearing. I’d be happy with
two-story buildings. I see 74 units here max.” Councilman Stan Ridgeway voiced concern about
traffic. Councilman Butler moved and Ridgeway seconded a motion to deny the application based on
comprehensive plan findings and to require a resubmitted plan not have any third stories and feature
lower density and address traffic safety issues.
Eagle votes 4-0 to remove barbed wire fence
along greenbelt pathway at Laguna Pointe
The Eagle City Council on March 10th voted 4-0 to deny a barbed wire fence near the greenbelt
pathway at Laguna Pointe Subdivision in favor of a black wrought-iron or extruded aluminum fence.
Where required by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, a breakaway fence must be installed.
“This proposal is to comply with the settlement agreement, which specifies a 6- to 10-foot wide
pathway,” said attorney Nicole Hancock of Stoel Rives, representing the HOA. She cited research on
pathway widths found in the Eagle City Code and other sources. The settlement agreement allows
the property owners to install, at their expense, a fence designed to protect the privacy and security of
homeowners, to prevent trespassing by the public and to promote the safety of trail users.
Hancock proposed that where the pathway is nine feet wide or less, the HOA would use smooth
or barbless wire; where the pathway is over nine feet wide, barbed wire would be used with signs
posted – the city could mark two feet in from the fence with a row of rocks, a ditch, natural materials
or spray paint (to keep bikers and pedestrian users a safe distance away from the barbed wire fence)
and the area would be posted with warning signs. Additionally, vinyl safety caps could be added on
top of the metal posts.
Councilman Jeff Kunz asked Hancock if the HOA would be okay with at least a 1.5-foot minimum
safety buffer on each side of the trail “so it (the fence) is not flush against the path?” Hancock agreed
that “a barrier would be fair. To the extent we can do that, we would do that.”
Planning & Zoning Administrator Bill Vaughan cited American Association of State Highway
and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) standards that in places where a pathway comes in close
proximity to “smooth” features such as bicycle railings and fences introduced with appropriate flaring
and treatments, a clearance of not less than one foot is acceptable.
Council President Stan Ridgeway said, “It’s not a black-and-white issue and there’s not just a
simple solution other than ordering the (barbed wire) fence out. Safety should be our major concern,”
e.g., for a five-year-old riding a bicycle on the pathway.
(Continued on Page 15)
Page 13
In a memo dated March 9th, the city attorney responded that
“M3’s limited scope misstates the applicability” of the Idaho Code,
Eagle City Code, fee schedule, development agreement and reimbursement agreement that were designed to “allow the City to receive compensation for these activities.” Consequently, the city
attorney recommended denial of the fee waiver.
Before staff presentations on March 10th that Brownlee was
unable to attend, M3 Project Manager Mark Tate said Boise, Meridian and Kuna have fixed engineering fees while Star doesn’t
have fees at all. He suggested Eagle bring an engineering firm inhouse and adopt a fixed-fee approach to engineering costs and their
reimbursement. He stressed this issue of unpredictable billings is
not unique to M3 and that Eagle should adopt that same policy as
other cities in the valley and not continue to allow its consultants
to charge fees over and above a set application fee.
M3 attorney Joann Butler said, “We heard a lot of new details
and answers to questions today. Our issue is not with the amounts
charged but with transparency and getting information today we
should have had last May.
“Both sides have been remiss on the scope of review of development submittals and a good faith estimate (of costs). We didn’t
hold the City to that and quite frankly, we should have.”
Butler said as an example, “We do get charged for a public
hearing. We’re just asking for clarification. You can only charge
for direct costs and we have the right to ask. Work with us to avoid
these conversations in the future. Let’s fix it; let’s be clear.”
City Attorney Susan Buxton observed that the City of Eagle
and all of the cities identified by Tate have similar pass-through
expense provisions in their agreements. She noted that, from the
beginning, M3 did not want to pay full fees for a project of Spring
Valley’s size and asked to be charged for actual staff time and professional and consultant fees incurred and not covered by existing
fee schedules. She recalled that Brownlee indicated he did not want
to receive detailed legal billings in order to avoid redaction costs
associated with client-attorney privileged information. Finally, she
said that the reimbursement agreement and city policy require that
billings be contested in a timely manner and brought to the City’s
attention in writing.
Councilman Jeff Kunz noted that the quality and completeness (or lack thereof) of an application submission can affect the
number of review iterations required, the resources utilized and
the associated costs and that what may prove “expeditious” to the
applicant may not necessarily be “expeditious” to the city given
the increased level of rework and costs associated with reviewing
and processing of a low-quality or incomplete application. He noted
that M3’s initial application submission was incomplete, that the
Planning & Zoning Department informed M3 that not all of the
necessary standards, guidelines and approvals were in place and
that beginning a review of the preliminary plat without these foundational documents in place would be premature and would have a
high potential of being duplicative. Nevertheless, the applicant (M3)
requested that the review be initiated.
Kunz also noted that Brownlee chose to contest entire invoices
rather than specific line items. Several of the contested invoices
contained line items describing the city engineer’s preparation for
and attendance at public hearings and drafting review comments
(at the applicant’s request) so they could be included in the next
submittal. He noted the reimbursement agreement specifically states
that costs for public hearings and meetings shall be paid by M3.
Further, to facilitate and ensure the timely processing of development submittals, the reimbursement agreement requires M3 to reimburse the City for the service fees of appropriate land use planners, legal counsel, engineers and/or other consultants as may be
retained by the City, provided the City determines that such additional fees for services are necessary.
M3 attorney Joann Butler countered that Brownlee “has picked
apart the bills, e.g., charges related to a grading permit for which
we never made application.”
Councilman Mark Butler summarized the issues raised by M3
as being related to the amount of money billed by the city and the
manner of billing. He said, “To a developer, it’s disconcerting to
not have set fees. I see nothing to justify approval of a waiver as
requested. We got into a quagmire.”
Councilwoman Mary McFarland said dealing with a Community Infrastructure District “is totally new for Eagle, a massive
undertaking.” She said it was “probably cheaper and faster” in Las
Vegas and Henderson, Nevada, where Butler worked before moving to Eagle.
McFarland’s motion to deny the fee waiver request, except for
a no-charge engineering review of the grading permit/fee schedule
and reimbursement of certain codification costs shared between
the applicant and the City, was seconded by Butler and carried 40.
Valley Times
Page 14
March 16, 2015
Varsity Softball: 5A
Varsity Baseball: 5A
Meridian 9, Fruitland 0 (5 innings)
Meridian 22, Fruitland 1 (5 innings)
Meridian
Fruitland
Meridian
Fruitland
400
000
9x
00
13
0
-
9
1
2
3
Meridian - Hitters: Brink 1-2 (2RBIs), Knauss 1-3 (HR, 3
RBIs), Martinez 2-3 (2B), Smith 1-4 (2B, 2 RBIs), Clucas 1-2
(RBI), Krawl 2-3 (2B, 2 RBI), Stapelton 1-3 (2 RBIs), Rhodes
(RBI). Pitchers: Rhodes 4 IP, 1 H, O R, O ER, 2 BB, 9K; Rice 1 IP
O H, O R, O ER, O BB, 1K.
Fruitland - Hitters: Husfloen 1-2. Pitchers: Hathorn 4 IP, 6 H,
6 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 1 K; Loomis 0 IP, 3 H, 5 R, 3 BB, O K.
000
211
310
000
02
01
-
6
5
8
9
-
22
1
14
2
In Saturday softball
games, Meridian beat Kuna
12-5 and Middleton defeated
Centennial 15-8. In baseball
action, Meridian stopped Kuna
9-1 in six innings and Rocky
Mountain bested Boise 15-7 in
five innings.
Eagle
Emmett
103
000
7x
00
-
11
0
8
3
Mountain View 10, Skyview 5 (8)
The Grizzly-ettes shut out Bishop Kelly 6-0 last weekend 6-0.
• Singles: Victoria Hildebrant (RM) def. Lindsday Watkins 26, 6-2, 6-3; Stephanie Hall (RM) def. Briley Mullin 6-2, 6-0; and
Makenzie Panlilio (RM) def. Betsy Sabala 6-2, 6-1.
• Doubles: Hannah Decker-Maddy Mortell (RM) def. Chea
Jenne-Serena Hutson 6-1,7-6 (8-6); and Bretta Cyr-Julia Ewing
(RM) def. Emma Russell-Bella Ludwig 6-2, 6-1.
• Mixed Doubles: Bronwyn Butuk-Cole Racine (RM) def.
Natalie Little-Patrick O’Neal 6-0, 6-1; and Jordan Daniels-Eric
Alonzo (RM) def. Dawson Zestrow-Sam Webster 6-2, 6-3.
MV
Skyv.
BOISE – Idaho Power has filed its annual Fixed Cost Adjustment (FCA) with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (IPUC).
This year’s FCA filing represents an increase of about $2.0 million for Residential and Small General Service customers. If the
proposal is approved as filed, the price change for an average Idaho
Power residential customer in Idaho using 1,050 kilowatt-hours of
energy a month would be an increase of about $0.36 per month
beginning June 1.
Revenue Impact by Class: Percentage Change from Current Billed Rates
Residential
Small
Overall
General
Change*
Service
Fixed
Cost
Adjustment
0.35%
0.32%
0.35%
*The overall percentage change for Residential and Small
General Service customers
The FCA “decouples,” or separates, energy sales from revenue in order to remove financial disincentives that exist when
Idaho Power promotes energy efficiency programs and activities.
Idaho Power encourages customers to use less electricity through
the company’s energy efficiency programs and efforts. But as consumption goes down, the fixed costs remain constant, or fixed,
and still must be recovered. Fixed costs are costs that do not change
with the level of consumption. They include costs associated with
long lasting-infrastructure—things like generation plants, power
lines, substations, and other equipment—as well as certain administrative costs.
If, because of reduced energy use per-customer during the prior
year, Idaho Power collects less than the level of fixed costs authorized by the IPUC, the company is provided an opportunity to collect the difference through a surcharge. If Idaho Power collects
more than the authorized amount, the company is required to refund the difference to customers through a credit.
Opportunities for Public Review
Idaho Power’s filing is a proposal that is subject to public review and approval by the IPUC. Copies of the application are available to the public at the IPUC offices (472 W. Washington St.,
Boise, Idaho, 83702), Idaho Power offices or on Idaho Power’s
web site, www.idahopower.com or the IPUC web site,
www.puc.idaho.gov. Customers may also may subscribe to the
IPUC’s RSS feed to receive periodic updates via email about the
case. Written comments regarding Idaho Power’s application may
(Continued in next column, above at right)
0
3
Eagle - Hitters: Aden 1-2 (3B), Brooks 2-3,S Speegle (RBI),
GInner 1-2 (RBI), Jackson 2-3 (2B, 3B, 4 RBIs), Guerrero 1-3
(3B, RBI), Pierce 1-3 (RBI). Pitchers: Shubert (W) 2 IP, 1 H, O R,
O ER, O BB, O K; Gothberg 2 IP 1 H, O R, O ER, 1 BB, 2 K;
Brooks 1 IP, 1 H O R, O ER, 1 BB, O K.
Emmett - Hitters: Smith 1-3, Robison 1-1. Pitchers:
Brinkerhoff (L) 3.2 IP, 6 H, 9 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 6 K; Gregory 0.1 IP,
2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, O BB, O K.
Rocky Mountain Girls blank BK 6-0
Idaho Power files annual fixed cost adjustment
0
6
Eagle 11, Emmett 0 (5 innings)
2
1
Kuna (2-0) - Hitters: Marshall 2-4 (2B, RBI), Newman 2-4
(2B, RBI), Nell 1-3 (HR, 3 RBIs), Dawson 1-3 (RBI), Miner 1-2,
Carlisle 1-3. Pitchers: Arizana 2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 3K;
Newman 6 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 6 K.
Rocky Mtn. - Hitters: Pestka 2-4 (RBI), Leavitt 1-4, M. Smith
1-2 (HR, RBI), Hicks 1-4 (HR, 2 RBIs), Briscoe 1-4, Lasure 1-4
(2B, RBI), Job 2-3 (2B). Pitcher: McKenney 8 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 5 ER,
0 BB, 6 K.
Varsity Tennis
13(5)
00
Meridian - Hitters: Simons 1-2, Yrazabel 2-3 (HR, 4 RBIs),
Kreft 1-3 (2B), Hollingsworth 2-2 (RBI), Borton 1-3 (RBI), Pena
(RBI), Cox 1-1 (RBI), Winkler 2-4 (2 2B, 3 RBIs). Pitcher: Rudd
(W) 5 IP, 2 H, O R, O ER, O BB, 5 K.
Fruitland - Hitters: Bones 1-2 (2B), Murphy 1-2 (2 RBIs.
Pitchers: Wheeler (L), 1.33, 5 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 3 BB, 2 K; Dell 1 IP,
1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, O K; Rodriguez 0.67, o H, 4 R, 1 ER, 4 BB,
0 K; Bones 0.33, IP, 1 H, O R, O ER, O BB, O K.
Kuna 6, Rocky Mountain 5 (8 innings)
Kuna
RM
004
010
001
000
022
020
05
30
-
10
5
10
9
1
3
Mountain View - Hitters: Flesher 1-4, Francis 1-4 (2B), Brown
4-4 (2B, HR, 4 RBIs), Booly 1-1 (2 RBIs), Burnham 1-4 (RBI),
Boots 1-4, McGrath 1-4 (2RBIs). Pitchers: Orr 4.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2
ER, 2 BB, 4 K; Stevens 2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 3 K; Boily (W)
1.1 IP, O H, O R, O ER, 2 BB, 3 K.
Skyview - Hitters: Bernal 2-4 (RBI), Diehm 1-4, Graves 2-5
(2B), Vickers 1-4 (2 RBIs), Berg 1-2, Gourley 1-1 (RBI), Emerson
1-4 (RBI). Pitchers: Hensley 4.67 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 3 BB. 3 K;
Vickers 2.33 IP, 1 H, 2 R, O ER, 1 BB, 1 K; Emerson (L) 1 IP, 3 H,
5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 1 K.
People, places go green for St. Patrick’s Day
Water is dyed green in public places in some towns. The most notable body of water that was
dyed green was the Chicago River in 2005 and again this year.
What’s open or closed?
St Patrick’s Day is not a federal holiday in the United States. Schools, businesses and organizations are open as usual. Public transport systems run on their regular schedules. There may be some
local disruption to traffic due to St Patrick’s Day parades. This is particularly true in cities with a
large Irish-American population, including New York, New Orleans and Seattle. The parades may be
on or around March 17, so it is a good idea to check local sources for the exact location, date and
time.
St. Patrick is one of Ireland’s patron saints and many Americans with Irish ancestry remember
him on March 17. Patrick’s Day is fixed on March 17, but may occasionally be moved by Catholic
Church authorities. This happened in 1940, so that the celebrations would not fall on Palm Sunday,
and in 2008 to avoid Holy Monday, the last Monday before Easter Sunday.
The most common St Patrick’s Day symbol is the shamrock, the leaf of the clover plant and a
symbol of the Holy Trinity (see Page 20). Other symbols include:
• Almost anything green.
• The green, orange and white flag of the Republic of Ireland.
be filed with the IPUC. View
• Brands of beer associated with Irish culture.
additional related materials on
Religious symbols include snakes and serpents. Other symthe filing at www.idahopower bols seen on St Patrick’s Day include the harp, which was used in
.com/rates.
Ireland for centuries, as well as the leprechaun and a pot of gold
Idaho Power, headquartered that it hides. (Source: Chicago Tribune)
in Boise, Idaho, and locally opSt. Patrick is credited with having driven all snakes out of Ireerated since 1916, is an electric land. One favorite family tradition is to watch Walt Disney’s 1959
utility that employs more than classic in color, Darby O’Gill and the Little People. It features the
2,000 people who serve about debut of Sean Connery, who later gained fame as the original James
516,000 customers throughout a Bond, in a singing as well as dashing and fighting role.
24,000-square-mile area in
southern Idaho and eastern Oregon. With 17 low-cost hydroelectric projects as the core of
its diverse generation portfolio,
Idaho Power’s residential, business and agricultural customers
pay among the nation’s lowest
rates for electricity. IDACORP,
Inc. (NYSE: IDA), Idaho
Power’s independent publicly
traded parent company, is also
headquartered in Boise, Idaho. In Chicago, knobby-kneed Irish dancers, hair piled high with
To learn more, visit www.idaho kinky curls, won the over crowd with their bright eyes and
power.com or www.idacorp flying feet. High school students marched in near perfect
inc.com.
unison, filling the parade route with music.
Valley Times
March 16 2015
Page 15
Rx Epidemic Memorial comes to BSU campus on March 17
BOISE – An Idahoan dies every 46 hours by accidental overdose. Prescription drug abuse, most notably stimulants, sedatives and opioids—is a growing and largely
unaddressed problem. According to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), approximately one in four college students has misused
prescription drugs and many more have been offered these medications by friends or fellow students. Many students may not even realize that they, their roommate,
teammate or friend are misusing or abusing these medications - most of which are controlled substances and therefore are illegal to use without a prescription. When used
the right way and under a doctor’s supervision, prescription drugs are safe and effective in treating countless medical conditions; however misused prescription drugs
carry serious dangers including addiction and death. Taking medications the wrong way or without a prescription puts young lives at risk.
In honor of those who have died of a prescription drug overdose in Idaho and to raise awareness of the epidemic, The Rx Epidemic Memorial, a traveling memorial
event, will be on the Boise State campus from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on March 17 on the Student Union patio. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held in the
Bronco Lounge. The Rx Epidemic Memorial is an interactive work of art that welcomes observers and volunteers to participate in assembling the memorial into a visually
appealing image. Empty prescription bottles contain photos of loved ones who lost their life to addiction with a sentiment written by their family or friends. The memorial
prescription bottles are then artistically arranged into a thought-provoking image.
Anyone who wishes to volunteer to help assemble the memorial and become part of this live interactive artistic experience may do so. Volunteers should bring a
wallet-sized photo of their loved one who died from addiction along with a memorial message. Their prescription bottles will be included in the memorial as it continues
to travel the country. Anyone who feels compelled may share their personal story as to how the prescription epidemic and/or addiction has touched their lives.
Assembly of the memorial begins at 9:30 a.m. and should be completed just prior to the start of the 12:00 p.m. presentation. Free food and entertainment will be
provided, as well as an informational presentation from 12:00-1:00 p.m. Jerry Fee will perform some of his original music, including “Lock It Up” as “Pharmacist Phil,”
his superhero persona who educates youth and families about prescription drug safety. The presentation will conclude with the release of butterflies in honor of lost loved
ones.
The Rx Epidemic Memorial was created by the Rx Epidemic Memorial Foundation. The Boise State event is sponsored by Students and Other Broncos Enjoying
Recovery (SOBER) at Boise State and Connect the Pieces (CTP) - To Prevent Prescription Drug Abuse, which is a project of Supportive Housing and Innovative
Partnerships, a local nonprofit. Participating organizations Idaho Regional Alcohol Drug Awareness Resource (RADAR) Center and Boise Ignite!will join SOBER and
CTP in offering addiction prevention and recovery support information during the Memorial event.
SOBER is a student organization established to be a peer support group for students affected by alcohol or other drugs by reaching out to them in an encouraging
environment that supports recovery and promotes awareness of the possibilities available to those in recovery.
CTP creates solutions to end the opioid epidemic and overdose deaths through recovery advocacy; prescription drug safety public health campaigns; and family and
youth prevention featuring “The Amazing Adventures of Pharmacist Phil;” and provides natural alternative solutions to prescription medications for those who suffer
from a substance use disorder and are in recovery.
The Idaho RADAR Center is an Idaho clearinghouse for substance abuse disorders, prevention
Barbed wire fence at Laguna Pointe (continued)
and
treatment information. The center, a Boise State University program, is administered by the
Councilman Mary McFarland agreed. “It’s a 100-percent public
Institute
for the Study of Addiction in cooperation with the College of Education and the College of
safety issue. The only solution is a wrought-iron fence.”
Health
Sciences.
Monies from federal block grant funds for substance abuse prevention and treatKunz said, “No fence should immediately abut the pathway”
and that elements of a compromise solution appeared possible. ment are procured through the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s Division of Behavioral
“We need a definitive plan showing specific sections of the trail” Health.
Boise Ignite! is an active sober community for people in recovery from alcohol and substance
and the proposed fence treatment to be applied to each section of
the trail. He noted the safety buffer (or clearance) between the abuse, and for people who support those in recovery. Boise Ignite! engages people through service
edge of the pathway and the fence should be at least one foot in and ignites their passions through healthy physical and social activities.
For more information about the Rx Epidemic Memorial Foundation, visit their Facebook page or
width and possibly two feet in places where the pathway is sharply
curved or sloped. Councilman Mark Butler said one foot might be the Foundation’s web site.
too narrow for a safety buffer. “I think barbed wire anywhere is a
violation of the settlement agreement.”
Ridgeway said a barbed wire fence “is dangerous, but so is a
By Derek Busby
smooth-wire fence. That’s a concern.”
We’ve just about arrived at spring, the time when many people spruce up their homes, yards and
Parks & Recreation Director Mike Aho said, “The fence is on
other parts of their surroundings. This year, why not extend that practice a little further and give your
the easement line, for the most part.”
financial and investment environment a good “spring cleaning”?
39th annual
Here are a few suggestions for doing just that:
• Reduce duplication. If you’ve ever worked to “de-clutter” your home, you may have discovered a lot of extraneous items. Did you really need three blenders? Did you have more remote control
devices than you did televisions? As you look through your investment portfolio, you might also find
some duplication, perhaps in the form of multiple stocks of companies in the same industry. You
March 21-22, 2015
might want to consider whether you’d be better off by reducing this concentration and using the
O’Connor Fieldhouse, 23rd & Blaine, Caldwell
proceeds to broaden your investment mix to create new potential for growth, income or a combinaSaturday, March 21st
tion of both.
Free Ride open to everyone
• Repair your “roof.” As part of your exterior spring-cleaning efforts, you might examine your
• 1:30 p.m., informal gathering at Caldwell City Park on
roof
to determine if you need to repair or replace any torn or missing shingles. After all, a strong roof
S. Kimball Avenue.
is essential to protecting your home. And your financial foundation needs protection, too, so review
• 3:00 .m. 32-mile ride from Caldwell to the Snake River,
your life and disability insurance to ensure they are still adequate to meet your family’s needs. You
Lake Lowell and return
also might want to consult with a financial professional for ways of dealing with the potentially
• 5:30 p.m., banquet at Jade Garden Restaurant
devastating costs of an extended nursing home stay or another type of long-term care.
Sunday, March 22nd
• Plant some “seeds.” Spring is a good time for re-seeding parts of your lawn that may be bare.
(Adults, $5; children under 12 free with adult admission and
Once
you’ve planted the seeds, of course, you’ll need to water and fertilize them to encourage growth.
one free admission to exhibitors)
As
you
look over your financial landscape, you may also find areas that are somewhat barren. For
• 8:30 a.m., set up at O’Connor Fieldhouse
example, you might be adequately funding your own retirement goals through your employer-spon• 11:30 a.m., set up closes
sored retirement plan and other investments, but are you putting away enough money for your
• Noon, Show & Swap Meet opens to the public
children’s college education? If not, you might need to “plant some seeds” for potential growth by
• 4:00 p.m., award presentations
investing in a college savings account, such as a 529 plan. And you may need to continually “nourFor rules and other information, call Molly at (208)
ish” your plan by contributing money each year.
377-4981.
• Update your “furnishings.” When you bought and arranged your home’s furnishings, they
might have been perfectly suited for your needs. But now, many years later, your situation may be
600 South Rivershore #160
quite different. Perhaps you’ve said goodbye to grown children who have
Eagle (HWY 44 at Eagle
struck out on their own, so you might want to make new uses for old
Road)
rooms. And maybe your old “stuff” just isn’t as comfortable as it was
before, or the layout of your furniture isn’t as efficient. Whatever the
case, it may well be time to update your environment. And the same
Store Hours
thing can happen with your financial “house.” To reflect changes in your
Tuesday-Friday 10:00 a.m.family situation, employment, economic circumstances, retirement goals
6:00 p.m.
and other factors, you will need to periodically review your financial
Saturday-Sunday 10:00 a.m.strategy and your investment portfolio, and make adjustments as needed.
3:00 p.m.
Oliveandvyne.com or Like us
Tidying up your living space may help improve your overall outon Facebook
look on life. The same might be said of a financial spring cleaning and
Derek Busby
you won’t even need a mop.
Time for some financial ‘spring cleaning’
Vintage Motorcycle & Bicycle
Rally & Show
939-6775
Page 16
Valley Times
Community Health Screening Program celebrates
fifth anniversary, prepares for March 19th event
MPD Supervisor’s Log
Friday, March 6th, 2015
• Vehicular burglary, 2400 block of N
. Archery Way, in the 2500 & 2600 blocks
of N. Bobcat Way and in the 3900 block of
N. Legacy Woods Avenue.
• Grand theft, 4000 & 500 blocks of E.
Fairview Avenue, 800 block of W. Newport.
• One juvenile was arrested on a warrant.
• One juvenile was arrested for probation violation.
• Protective custody hold, 1900 block
of W. Lonesome Dove Street.
• Residential burglary, 600 block of N.
Principle Place.
• Sherri Brecke, 41, was arrested on a
warrant.
• Petit theft, 3700 block of E. Fairview
Avenue.
• Disturbance, 1500 block of W. Northgate.
• Cole Johnson, 26, was arrested for
DWP and no insurance.
• Kis Mawae, 40, was arrested for DUI.
• Monika Yarnell, 34, was arrested on
a warrant.
Saturday, March 7th, 2015
• Vandalism, 2100 block of N.
Interlachen.
• Fraud, 900 block of E. Fairview Avenue.
• Battery, 900 block of E. Fairview
Aenue.
• Injury vehicle accident, Fairview &
Stonehenge; one subject cited.
• Michael Prock, 22, was arrested for
disturbing the peace.
• William Cherry, 69, was arrested for
domestic battery and on a warrant.
• Krystian Crane, 21, was arrested for
possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Karen Bryden, 58, was arrested for
possession of marijuana and concealment of
evidence.
• Disturbance, 1300 block of N. Rutledge.
• Annette Bellnap, 49, was arrested for
DUI/2nd offense, CWP and open container.
• Gregory Munson, 51, was arrested
for DUI.
• Unattended death, 6100 block of N.
Saguarao Hills.
Sunday, March 8th, 2015
• Shawn Coleman, 42, was arrested on
two warrants.
• Robert Cordova, 30, was arrested for
DUI and on a warrant.
• Disturbance, 1100 block of E. Fairview Avenue and in the 2500 block of W.
Leonard.
• Residential burglary, 2000 block of
N. Reba.
• Dale Larsen, 47, was arrested for
DWP and no insurance/2nd offense.
• Courtney Eberhardt, 30, was arrested
for domestic battery.
• Elizabeth Glatte, 22, was arrested for
possession of drugs & paraphernalia and on
a warrant. Jesse George, 24, was arrested for
possession of drugs & paraphernalia.
Monday, March 9th, 2015
• Fraud, 2400 block of Ruby Rapids
Place.
• Fraudulent prescription, 2700 block
of W. Cherry Lane.
• Luke Robbins, 19, was arrested on
two charges of aggravated assault.
• Domestic battery, 3300 block of E.
Fratello.
• Grand theft, 400 block of E. Forest
Ridge.
• Disturbance, 1900 block of N. Eagle
Road.
Tuesday, March 10th, 2015
• Fraud, 4100 block of E. English
Drive.
• Lynne Lee, 73, was arrested on a
warrant.
• Distturbance, 5300 block of N.
Chopin Place, in the 2100 block of N. Sapphire Place and in the 400 block of E.
Addeson Street.
• Grand theft, 2200 block of N. Aronmink Way.
• Ading Adeng, 19, was arrested for
possession of drugs & paraphernlia.
• Isaac Phillips, 22, was arrested for
DUI.
• Protective custody hold, 3700 block
(Continued on next page)
Some partnerships are so successful they are worth celebrating, especially ones that improve the lives of Ada County residents in a big way.
That’s the story behind the Ada County/ Idaho State University Community Health Screening Program which has served more
than 750 uninsured and underserved adults since March 2010.
Other partners are the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
and Central District Health.
“The program has been successful on many layers. We’re reaching adults who don’t have medical insurance or who don’t have
providers, and we’re getting them connected to health care,” said
screening co-organizer Dr. Glenda Carr, clinical assistant pharmacy
professor at the ISU-Meridian Health Science Center.
The next screening, the last until fall, is Thursday, March 19,
4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the ISU-Meridian Health Science Center, 1311
E. Central Drive. Ada County Commissioners have signed a proclamation to designate March 19 as Community Health Screening
Day in honor of the program’s fifth anniversary and to encourage
eligible adults 18 and older to participate. Appointments are not
necessary.
ISU-Meridian clinical faculty and health professions students
will administer the free services which include:
• Basic physical exams
• Blood pressure checks, medication reviews and disease education
• Dental evaluations
• Traumatic brain injury screenings
• Depression and alcohol screenings and questionnaires
• On-site testing for blood sugar levels, cholesterol and HIV
• Hearing and eye screenings
• Nutrition assessment and recommendations
• Health education
• Flu shots and hepatitis C screenings
This year, clinicians have screened 119 people and referred at
least 80 percent to free, low-cost or ISU clinics for follow-up care.
Participants with an immediate health issue such as diabetes, high
blood pressure or a dental emergency are given appointments on
the spot at community clinics that have partnered with the screening program, said screening co-organizer Rick Tivis, an ISU-Meridian associate professor and assistant director of the Idaho Center for Health Research.
The intent of the screenings is prevention—identify a health
problem early before an uninsured or indigent patient lands in the
hospital emergency room with a serious illness and a hefty bill the
county ends up paying.
Ada County kicks in $7,500 a year to fund supplies and equipment for the screenings. Faculty and students volunteer their time,
with student clinicians gaining hands-on experience and learning
the importance of collaborating with other health professionals
when delivering patient care.
“In the program’s five year history, the free health screenings
have reached hundreds of county residents who may otherwise
not have been able to afford to obtain these important services,”
said Ada County Commission Chairman Jim Tibbs. “With health
care being an ever-growing concern in our nation and in Idaho,
this program is a tremendous accomplishment that Ada County is
proud to support.”
While it’s difficult to determine if the screening program has
eased the county’s indigent caseload, screening organizers believe
it has helped, given the number of potentially life-threatening cases
they’ve addressed.
“The truth is, if we are successful with just one person, it’ll
cover the cost of the screening program for 20 years,” said Tivis,
noting that a minor health issue left untreated can spiral into an
illness or disease that can cost thousands of dollars to treat. For
more information about the March 19th screening, call 373-1700
or e-mail [email protected].
Meridian council results of March 10th meeting
City Council members on March 10th took the following actions under Department Reports:
• Legal Department: Prosecution and Police Services contract
update (see Page 1);
• Police Department: Budget Amendment for the Department
Remodel for furniture and furnishings for the not-to-exceed amount
of $20,000, approved;
• Parks & Recreation Department: FY 2015 budget amendment for Disc Golf Fall Classic proceeds for $1,163, approved.
In addition, Council members approved the appointment of
Colin Moss of the Parks & Recreation Department as a new director for Western Ada Recreation District.
March 16, 2015
Legal Notice
NOTICE OF HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to the Ordinances of the City of Meridian
and the Laws of the State of Idaho that the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City
of Meridian will hold a public hearing at the Meridian City Hall, 33 East Broadway Avenue, Meridian, Idaho, at the hour of 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2015 for the
purpose of reviewing and considering the applications of:
GGR, LLC for Rezone of 4.08 acres of land from the L-O zoning district to the CG (2.73 acres) and L-O (1.35 acres) zoning districts AND Conditional Use Permit modification to modify the site plan and certain conditions approved with the Larkspur planned
unit development (CUP 04-025) for Calderwood Business Park generally located southeast corner of S. Meridian Road and E. Calderwood Drive; and
Primeland Investment Group, LLC for Rezone of 0.67 acres of land from the LO zoning district to the R-8 zoning district AND Combined Preliminary/Final Plat consisting of four (4) single family residential lots and two (2) common lots on approximately 0.62 acres in a proposed R-8 zoning district for Verona East Subdivision generally located east of N. Ten Mile Road and north of W. McMillan Road.
More particular descriptions of the above properties are on file in the Community
Development Department office at Meridian City Hall, 33 East Broadway Avenue, Meridian Idaho and are available for inspection during regular business hours, Monday
through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.;
Copies of the above applications are available for review upon request. Any and all
interested persons shall be heard at said public hearing, and the public is welcome and
invited to submit testimony. Oral testimony may be limited to three (3) minutes per person. Written materials may be submitted seven (7) days prior to the above hearing date so
that all interested parties may examine them prior to the hearing. All materials presented
at public meetings shall become property of the City of Meridian. Anyone desiring accommodation for disabilities related to documents and/or hearings, please contact the
City Clerk’s Office at 888-4433 at least 72 hours prior to the public meeting.
PUBLISH 2nd and 16th of March 2015.
JAYCEE L. HOLMAN, CITY CLERK
NOTICE OF HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to the Ordinances of the City of Meridian
and the Laws of the State of Idaho that the City Council of the City of Meridian will hold
a public hearing at the Meridian City Hall, 33 East Broadway Avenue, Meridian, Idaho, at
the hour of 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2015 for the purpose of reviewing and considering the application of:
Oak Leaf Development, Inc. for Rezone of 26.09 acres from the C-N and the R-15
zoning districts to the R-15 (8.48 acres) and C-C (17.61 acres) zoning districts; Preliminary Plat approval consisting of one (1) residential lot, three (3) commercial lots and
three (3) common lots on approximately 23.59 acres in the proposed R-15 and C-C zoning
districts; for Conditional Use Permit for a self-service storage facility consisting of a
care-takers/office building and fifteen (15) storage buildings on approximately 11.18 acres
of land in a proposed C-C zoning district AND Development Agreement Modification
to exclude the proposed C-C zoning boundary from the existing Development Agreement
for Jayker Village Subdivision generally located north side of Chinden Boulevard; west
of N. Tree Farm Way and N. Tree Haven Way;
Brighton Investments, LLC for Rezone of 5.05 acres of land from the C-G to the
R-40 zoning district; and 3.37 acres of land from the R-40 to the C-G zoning district; PP
15-002 for Preliminary Plat approval consisting of one (1) building lot in the R-40 zoning district; twenty-two (22) building lots in the C-G zoning district and five (5) common/
other lots on 36.04 acres of land; AND CUP 15-002 for Conditional Use Permit for a
multi-family development consisting of 280 dwelling units in an R-40 zoning district for
Paramount Southeast Subdivision generally located northwest corner of N. Meridian
Road and W. McMillan Road.
More particular descriptions of the above properties are on file in the Community
Development Department office at Meridian City Hall, 33 East Broadway Avenue, Meridian Idaho and are available for inspection during regular business hours, Monday through
Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.;
Copies of the above applications are available for review upon request. Any
and all interested persons shall be heard at said public hearing, and the public is welcome
and invited to submit testimony. Oral testimony may be limited to three (3) minutes per
person. Written materials may be submitted seven (7) days prior to the above hearing date
so that all interested parties may examine them prior to the hearing. All materials presented at public meetings shall become property of the City of Meridian. Anyone desiring
accommodation for disabilities related to documents and/or hearings, please contact the
City Clerk’s Office at 888-4433 at least 72 hours prior to the public meeting.
PUBLISH 16th and 30th of March, 2015.
JAYCEE L. HOLMAN, CITY CLERK
“He plunged to the center, and found it vast.” – Conrad Aiken
Valley Times
March 16, 2015
Legal Notice
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BID
MERIDIAN DEVELOPMENT COPORATION: REQUEST FOR
QUALIFICATIONS
FOR ON-CALL MARKETING SERVICES
Sealed bids will be received by the Board of Commissioners of the Urban Renewal
Agency of the City of Meridian, commonly known as the Meridian Development
Corporation (“MDC”) for the Meridian Development Corporation: Request for
Qualifications for On-Call Marketing Services. MDC desires to receive bids from
qualified contractors for marketing services on an as-needed basis.
RFQ’s can be obtained by contacting Ashley Squyres, Administrator, at meridian
[email protected].
All RFQ’s must be sealed and submitted to and received by the MDC Administrator
on or before April 01, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. MST. RFQ’s must be submitted in accordance
with the terms of the Request for Qualification and delivered to the Attention of Ashley
Squyres at the address provided below.
Ashley Squyres, MDC Administrator
Mailing Address: MDC, 33 East Broadway Avenue, Meridian, Idaho 83642
Physical Address: Meridian City Hall, City Clerk’s Office, 33 East Broadway Avenue,
Meridian, Idaho 83642
Phone: 208-830-7786
Email: [email protected]
All RFQs must be signed by the individual authorized to act on behalf of the
submitting entityor, if an individual, the individual submitting the RFQ, and in accordance
with the Instructions to Bidders provided.
Publish: March 16 and 23, 2015
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
FOR
THE WESTERN ADA RECREATION DISTRICT
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to all interested parties that the WESTERN ADA RECREATION DISTRICT, a duly constituted recreation district of the State of Idaho, will hold
its regular business meeting on March 19, 2015, at the Meridian City Hall, 33 E. Broadway Avenue, Meridian, Idaho, at 12:00 Noon.
The proposed agenda items include the following:
1. Agenda Approval
2. Swear in New Board Member
a. Sign letter to add as signatory to checking account
3. Consent Agenda
a. February 12 and February 19, 2015 meeting minutes approval
b. Financial report approval through 3/13/15
c. Bills paid approval 2/17/15 – 3/13/15
4. Patrons To Address the Boards
a. Lauri McMullan about pool safety issues
5. General Items
a. Secretary/Treasurer’s report
6. Park Items
a. Superintendent’s report
7. Pool Items
a. Renovation plans
b. Manager’s report
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
Dawn Fowler, Secretary/Treasurer
Western Ada Recreation District
Publish: March 16, 2015
NOTICE OF HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to the Ordinances of the City of Meridian
and the Laws of the State of Idaho that the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City
of Meridian will hold a public hearing at the Meridian City Hall, 33 East Broadway Avenue, Meridian, Idaho, at the hour of 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 2, 2015 for the
purpose of reviewing and considering the applications of:
Heather Neitzell for Conditional Use Permit approval to operate an indoor recreation facility in an I-L zoning district for Meridian Martial Arts located 535 N. Locust
Grove; and
Ken Lenz for Conditional Use Permit approval for a drive-thru establishment in a
C-G zoning district within 300 feet of another drive-thru facility and existing residences
for Sonic Drive-In at Paramount located 4936 N. Linder Road.
More particular descriptions of the above properties are on file in the Community
Development Department office at Meridian City Hall, 33 East Broadway Avenue, Meridian Idaho and are available for inspection during regular business hours, Monday
through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.;
Copies of the above applications are available for review upon request. Any and all
interested persons shall be heard at said public hearing, and the public is welcome and
invited to submit testimony. Oral testimony may be limited to three (3) minutes per person. Written materials may be submitted seven (7) days prior to the above hearing date so
that all interested parties may examine them prior to the hearing. All materials presented
at public meetings shall become property of the City of Meridian. Anyone desiring accommodation for disabilities related to documents and/or hearings, please contact the
City Clerk’s Office at 888-4433 at least 72 hours prior to the public meeting.
PUBLISH 16th and 30th of March 2015.
JAYCEE L. HOLMAN, CITY CLERK
As the television commercials used to proclaim, “Idaho - Ya
Gotta Have Art!” The regular monthly meetings of the Eagle Arts
Commission are held on the second Tuesday of each month at
8:30 a.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall. E-mail artscom mission @cityofeagle.org or call the City Clerk’s Office at 939-6813
during regular business hours.For more information about the commission including how you may becmoe involved with projects,
visit the city’s web site at www.cityofeagle.org.
Ada County has openings for volunteers
• Waterways Advisory Committee
Are you interested in donating just a few hours of your time per year to help advise
on waterway maintenance and improvement issues in Ada County? The Board of Ada
County Commissioners is currently seeking a volunteer to serve on the Ada County Waterways Advisory Committee. The seven (7) member Waterways Advisory Committee
typically meets at 3:00 p.m. on the fourth Monday of February, March, July and October,
and serves in an advisory capacity to the Board of Commissioners. The Committee helps
provide direction on issues relating to waterway maintenance and improvement in Ada
INVITATION FOR BID
WELL 30 TEST WELL - CONSTRUCTION
CITY OF MERIDIAN
The City of Meridian is requesting sealed Bids for WELL 30 TEST WELL - CONSTRUCTION. Bids will be received by the City of Meridian, Purchasing Department, at
the City Hall Building located at 33 East Broadway Avenue, Ste. 106, Meridian,
Idaho83642, until 2:30 p.m., prevailing local time, MARCH 31, 2015.
A prebid meeting will be held on March 19, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Well 30 Site, NW
Corner of S. Shimmering Way and E. Radian Ridge Dr. Tradewinds Subdivision, Meridian, ID.
All questions concerning this Invitation for Bid or requests for additional information
should be directed to: Keith Watts and Kathy Wanner at (208) 489-0416.
DATED this 13th day of March, 2015
Keith Watts, Purchasing Manager
THE CITY of MERIDIAN, IDAHO
Run Dates: March 16, 2015 and March 23, 2015
Eastbound I-84 “loop” onramp at Meridian Road
closed overnight Sunday, Monday and Tuesday
MERIDIAN – The eastbound Interstate 84 “loop” on-ramp
from southbound Meridian Road was closed overnight on Sunday
and will continue tonight, Monday and tomorrow, Tuesday (March
15-17), the Idaho Transportation Department announced. Closing
the ramp at night allows crews to work on the deck of the I-84
Meridian Interchange bridge.
(Continued in next column, across at right)
SCORE seeks larger profile in Treasure Valley
Throughout the Treasure Valley, small businesses pop up nearly
every day. From small “Mom & Pop” stores to new retail stores,
restaurants, coffee houses and service companies, small businesses
are growing in the Treasure Valley due in no small part to the dedicated mentors at TV SCORE.
SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) has been in the
Treasure Valley since 1971 helping thousands of first time business owners take those first tentative steps into the world of entrepreneurship. With each member having their own business for ten,
twenty even thirty years these mentors have aided the beginner all
the way to the master in business. All this experience and wisdom
is free of cost and discussions are held in the strictest of confidence. SCORE have mentoring locations in Boise, Eagle, Nampa
and Caldwell.
Despite these achievements however, SCORE is a relatively
unknown and unheralded business counseling service in the Treasure Valley. Our premier business coaching staff has been providing consistent business advice byforty two mentors totaling nearly
nine hundred years of business experience.
Treasure Valley SCORE chapter president, Raymond Davis
comments, “No other business has the knowledge base that our
organization possesses.” Davis has been with SCORE over ten years
and finds the experience of helping others very rewarding. Truthfully, Davis adds, “All we want is the opportunity to help those
wishing to realize their dreams of starting a business.”
Clients can meet face-to-face with a mentor as well as through
email mentoring. Treasure Valley SCORE provides many training
opportunities such as their successful, ‘Business Fundamentals
Workshop’, Social Media Workshops, Annual Business Coaching
Workshop held at BSU and their participation in Boots2Business
held at Mountain Home Air Force Base. SCORE invites you to
chase your dream of business ownership helping you to become a
successful entrepreneur. Call (208) 334-1696 today for an appointment.
County. This volunteer position is for a term of three (3) years, and committee members
must live in Ada County during their entire term.
Ada County Historic Preservation Council needs you
In just about one hour per month, you can help preserve Ada County’s heritage by
serving as a member of the Ada County Historic Preservation Council!
The Board of Ada County Commissioners is currently seeking an individual to serve
on the Ada County Historic Preservation Council, which is a volunteer position with a
three (3) year term. Professional experience in the disciplines of architecture, history,
planning, archaeology, or other historic preservation-related discipline is preferred, but
not required. The Historic Preservation Council promotes historic preservation in a variety of ways: Through public outreach & education, helping to nominate private and public properties for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places, participating in
various land use planning processes, helping with fundraising for specific preservation
projects, and by recommending enactment of policies and ordinances intended to protect
historic properties. Examples of the Council’s past work include the award-winning book
Patterns of the Past, the book Echoes from the Ada County Courthouse: 1938-2001 by
Arthur A. Hart, the Barns of Ada County poster, and the County Treasures sign program.
The ten (10) member Council holds a one-hour meeting at noon on the
first Tuesday of each month. Council-sponsored events are occasionally held on weekends and evenings throughout the year, and prospective members will be expected to
attend some but not all such events. Council members may be asked to serve on subcommittees that focus on specific issues which may require additional project meetings and
tasks.
How to Apply
Individuals interested in serving on these boards are asked to complete a volunteer
board application, available at the Ada County Commissioners’ Office or on the Web.
The Commissioners’ Office is located on the third floor of the Ada County Courthouse at
200 W. Front Street, Boise, 83702. The application is also available on the Ada County
(Continued at top of next columns, above and at right)
Page 17
(Continued from previous page)
of W. Quaker Ridge Drive.
Wednesday, March 11th, 2015
• Kyle Crumley, 22, was arrested for
DWP and no insurance/2nd offense.
• Vern Cleveland, 47, was arrested for
DUI.
Thursday, March 12th, 2015
• Disturbing the peace, 5400 block of
N. Linder Road.
• Michael Worthington, 47, was arrested for attempted unlawul entry, trespassing and possession of a controlled substance.
• Cruelty to animals, 3400 block of E.
Florence.
• Domestic - verbal, 100 block of S.
Rose Circle.
• Burglary, 3400 block of W. Muirfield
Drive.
• Allan Collins, 18, was arrested for
petit theft.
For additional information about police records and release thereof, call 8886678 during regular business hours.
On all three nights, the loop
on-ramp closes at 10:00 p.m.
and reopens by 5:00 a.m. the following day. During the overnight closures, motorists may
still access eastbound I-84 from
northbound Meridian Road.
Flaggers will direct traffic
across the ramp intersection.
The work zone speed limit
is 25 mph on Meridian Road and
55 mph on I-84. ITD urges drivers to leave early, slow down
and pay attention.
ITD is replacing the I-84,
Meridian Interchange in order to
accommodate more traffic on
Meridian Road and I-84. Construction is expected to be finished late this year.
Concrete Placing Company
is the contractor on the $50.8million project.
Cancer film preview is
March 25th in Boise
In conjunction with this
month’s premiere of the PBS
documentary CANCER: THE
EMPEROR OF ALL MALADIES and a national cancerawareness campaign, Idaho
Public Television will host a preview of the film at the BSU
Special Events Center on March
25 from 6-8 p.m.
The three-part documentary
directed by award-winning filmmaker Barak Goodman and produced by Ken Burns airs Monday-Wednesday, March 30April 1, at 8 p.m. MT. The sixhour film is based on the Pulitzer
Prize-winning book by Siddhartha Mukherjee, M.D., The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer.
The documentary tells the
comprehensive story of cancer,
from its first description in an
ancient Egyptian scroll to the
gleaming laboratories of modern research institutions. The
film interweaves a narrative
with intimate stories about contemporary patients and the latest scientific breakthroughs that
may have brought us within
sight of lasting cures.
web site at www.adacounty.id.gov/Commissioners and from there click on the Volunteer Board Information link.
Completed applications may be delivered to the Commissioners’ Office at the
address above, sent via fax to 287-7009, or
e-mailed to [email protected]. Call 2877000 for additional information.
Valley Times
Page 18
City of Eagle will apply for Plaza Drive
extension, pedestrian bridge grants
The Eagle City Council at its March 10th meeting approved
submission of an application for a Communities in Motion (CIM)
Implementation Grant for landscape, irrigation and lighting design for the Plaza Drive extension.
If the application is successful, the City could begin design
work as early as October 2015. The match requirement is 7.34
percent. A higher match rate will rank higher in the prioritization
process. The estimated cost of design work and preparation of the
construction drawing is $20,000 (with a $1,500 match required),
excluding materials and installation. Regardless of the success of
the grant application, the City will be responsible for the project’s
design costs and construction of the pathway and greenway as part
of the Ada County Highway District (ACHD) bid process.
Additionally, the council requested the Community Planning
Association of Southwest Idaho’s (COMPASS) assistance with the
grant preparation work (through the Project Development Program)
for a pedestrian bridge across the north channel of the Boise River
on Eagle Road. The work includes developing the scope, schedule, budget, design sketches and environmental scan for the project.
Spiker joins Zions Bank’s residential lending team
BOISE – Britney Spiker has joined Zions Bank as a residential and construction mortgage loan officer, responsible for business development and customer service for
residential construction and mortgage
lending in the Boise, Meridian and Eagle
markets. She is based at the Boise Eagle
and Chinden Financial Center, 6176 N.
Eagle Road.
Spiker has more than 14 years of experience in mortgage lending in Boise and
the Magic Valley and has worked with conventional, FHA, Idaho Housing, Rural
Britney Spiker
Development and VA mortgages.
‘Honoring Anne Frank’ on March 20 DIALOGUE
In commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the death of Anne
Frank in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, this episode of
DIALOGUE will feature a 1996 Boise speech of Miep Gies, one
of the Dutch protectors of the Frank family, and the person who
saved Frank’s diary.
The show airs on Friday, March 20 at 7:30 p.m. and repeats on
Sunday, March 22 at 5:00/4:00 p.m. MT/PT in conjunction with
the films “In Line for Anne Frank,” which airs on Saturday, March
21 at 4:00/3:00 p.m. MT/PT and “Marion’s Triumph: Surviving
History’s Nightmare,” which airs on Tuesday, March 31 at 10:00
p.m. MT/PT.
The program also includes comments from Hannah Pick–
Goslar, a childhood friend of Franks, who spoke to her in the
Bergen-Belsen concentration camp just one month before Frank
died; and Cornelis Suijk, the former director of the Anne Frank
House in Amsterdam and the Anne Frank Center in the United
States. Franklin interviewed both in the 1990s when they were in
Boise.
Gies, who died in 2010 at 100, visited Boise to help promote what would
become the Idaho Anne Frank Human
Rights Center. She recalled Anne, said
why it was so important to help the Frank
family and stressed the need to stay vigiAnne Frank
lant about human rights abuses.
(www.npr.org)
Meridian, Idaho
Coffee with the Mayor
Tuesday, March 24th 8:00-9:30 a.m.
Ameriben/IEC Group
3449 E. Copper Point Street
Meridian 83642
Free
All are welcome!
Join Mayor Tammy de Weerd and
other city leaders to discuss issues,
share ideas, ask questions, network,
enjoy refreshments and connect with
fiends old and new, all in a friendly,
casual environment.
No reservations need; just stop in!
Questions? Call Ken Corder at 4890535
Valley Times has local news.
Young American Creative
Patriotic Art Contest
This contest is open to students in grades 9-12. The top national prize is a $10,000 scholarship. Other prizes range from
$5,000 for second-place down
to $500 for fifth through eighth
place. The first-place winner
will also receive a plaque, airfare and two night’s lodging to
attend the Ladies Auxiliary National Convention. The national
first-place winning entry will be
featured on the cover of Ladies
Auxiliary VFW Magazine. Second and third place will be featured in the magazine and all
eight top prize winners will featured on the Ladies Auxiliary
web site at www.ladiesauxvfw
org.
Art must be on paper or canvas. Watercolor, pencil, pastel,
charcoal, tempera, crayon,
acrylic, pen-and-ink or oil may
be used. Digital art may be submitted but must be on paper or
canvas; no discs will be accepted.
Do not frame! Submit canvas entries on stretcher frames.
Other entries must be matted on
white; do not use color mats. In
matting, use heavy paper to reinforce the back. Mounted and
floating mats may also be used.
The art should be no smaller
than 8”x10” but no larger than
18”x24”, not including the mat.
Be sure sure to complete the
entry form and attach to the back
of the entry. Note that a Ladies
Auxiliary or a foreign-based
Auxiliary or Post must be a
sponsor.
If you use the American flag
in your entry, it must conform
to the Federal Flag Code as far
as color, number of stars and
stripes and pertinent rules of the
code. It’s always best to portray
the flag as freely waving.
The entry must have been
done during the 2014-2015
schoolyear. Note you must have
your teacher’s signature. Only
one entry per student is allowed.
Student deadline is March
31st, 2015. Send entries to Post
& Auxiliary 4000, Irene Godby,
34 E. Waterbury Lane, Meridian ID 83646, phone (208) 8550420 or June Pack at (208) 8882839.
School career counselors
will have a copy of the entry
form or interested students may
call June Pack at 888-2839. See
last year’s winners at www.
ladiesauxvfw. org/Young American Creative Patriotic Art.
Quotes for the season
Spring is imminent, arriving
in less than two weeks. Here are
some pertinent quotes from
www.quotegarden.com:
“Springtime is the land
awakening. The March winds
are the morning yawn.” – Lewis
Grizzard
March 16, 2015
Visit the LITTLE FREE LIBRARY in Meridian City Hall’s
outdoor plaza. Take or leave a book is how it works. Information:
Shelly Houston at 489-0531 or [email protected].
Meridian Library District to test prototype
sensors in national grant award contest
The Meridian Library District has been selected as the only
public library, and one of only two libraries nationwide, to test
sensors that will track usage patterns in the library’s building as
part of a major grant award.
The Measure the Future Project at http://measurethefuture.net
will build the prototype sensors this summer after receiving a
$130,000 grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
Founder and team lead Jason Griffey has worked extensively with
library technology and the idea of “smart libraries” is his latest
frontier.
“Imagine having a Google-Analytics-style dashboard for your
library building,” Jason said. “[N]umber of visits, what patrons
browsed, what parts of the library were busy during which parts of
the day, and more.”
Several months ago, Jason contacted Meridian Library Director Gretchen Caserotti and invited her to participate in the
project. Gretchen has been key in pushing the Meridian Library’s
technological front and it was her enthusiasm for libraries, service, and technology that attracted Jason from the start.
“Jason heard me talk about our tight footprint and space limitations and he knows us to be innovative and forward thinkers,”
Caserotti said.
Griffey and Caserotti are planning on installing the first sensors in late 2015. Then they’ll be able to monitor usage in various
areas of the library over time. But it doesn’t stop with tracking
busy times or places.
“We could put sensors in certain areas of the building to measure the density of people sitting in a space (e.g. lobby or quiet
zone) as well as the length of time to help us determine if we need
to make adjustments. We could even set sensors to measure the
height of people using an area of the library. That could be helpful
in the children’s library to see how many children versus adults
are using an area.”
And since this project is entirely open source, the tools and
technology once perfected at Meridian will be available to libraries and other organizations everywhere.
For more information contact Gretchen Caserotti at 888-4451
or [email protected].
Low-income and senior citizens may get
free one-on-one free income tax help
BOISE – Senior citizens and low-income taxpayers of any age
may find free help to prepare their income tax returns at tax preparation sites throughout Idaho.
Taxpayers can find the sites closest to them by going to the
Idaho State Tax Commission’s web site, tax.idaho.gov and and clicking on the “Low income? Senior citizen? Get free tax help!” link
under the “Quick Picks” section. The sites, sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or the AARP Foundation, are listed together by county.
The free help offered at these locations is designed for most
low-income and elderly taxpayers with simple federal and Idaho
tax returns. Those who are submitting a state return only to get a
grocery credit refund may also get help there, as well as those filing a federal return only to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit.
Most locations offer electronic filing for faster refunds, and
some offer help in Spanish. The Tax Commission recommends that
people check its website the day they want to visit one of the sites
because the free tax help listing can change daily.
When visiting a site, taxpayers should bring their photo ID,
Social Security card, any W-2s and 1099s, a copy of last year’s
returns, and other important documents needed to file a return. A
full list of what to bring is available through the Tax Commission’s
web ESignsite.
Those who don’t have internet access can find a site by calling
the Idaho CareLine at 2-1-1 or (800) 926-2588 Monday through
Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Mountain Time, or AARP’s
automated system at (888) 227-7669. Taxpayers may also get help
by calling the Tax Commission at 334-7660 in the Boise area or
toll free at (800) 972-7660.
“Spring makes its own statement, so loud and clear that the
gardener seems to be only one of the instruments, not the composer.” – Goeffrey B. Charlesworth
“Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!’” – Robin Williams
March 16, 2015
Valley Times
Page 19
Meridian Library District offers DIT
(Do It Together) workshops thru May
Owner Wayne Johnson wields the oversized scissors at the ribbon cutting held March 13th.
Anglers Habitat opens on Fairview Avenue in Meridian
“We opened on February 2nd but waited a few weeks for the season to get closer,” said Wayne
Johnson, owner of Anglers Habitat at 2483 E. Fairview Avenue, Ste 101.
This is the angler’s destination, located on the south side of Fairview just west of the secondbusiest intersection in Idaho, Fairview and Eagle Road. To “gear up” for fishing, stop by Monday
through Saturday from 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. and browse their two stories (2,700 square feet) of rods
and reels, float boats, jackets and all manner of things necessary to and enjoyable by fishers of all
ages.
Anglers Habitat has expanded from Caldwell, where eight employees supply local Canyon County
residents with their angling needs, into Meridian. Wayne is the solo employee now but expects to add
three or four staffers in the coming months as business grows.
“This has been four years in the making,” Johnson said of his recent opening, which he did “up
right,” e.g., by holding a drawing last Saturday for a $500 float.
What does the opening of this established business in Meridian portend for fishermen and women
of the area?
Clint Shiflet, who has three
decades of experience in banking and recently moved to Idaho
Central Credit Union as a Business Lending Officer, is a wellknown and longtime avid angler
who wouldn’t have missed last
week’s event.
“This means I don’t have to
go anywhere else for my fishing needs,” he said. “Everything
I need is right here in Meridian.”
For more information to
“float your boat” fishing wise or
prepare for fishing this spring,
Bright, attractive storefront with large windsock on Fairview call 887-4863 or visit anglers
habitat .com.
‘reels in’ passersby.
Putting a spin on the popular DIY (do it yourself) philosophy,
Meridian Library District will offer a series of DIT (do it together)
workshops throughout March, April and May.
These classes are designed to foster an interest in local, sustainable lifestyles and to teach hands-on skills in seed starting,
raising backyard chickens, hunting and fishing, permaculture, beekeeping, and living off the power grid.
The series continues on March 16, when local author and Eagle
resident Gretchen Anderson will discuss raising backyard chickens.
All workshops start at 6:30 p.m. in
the large conference of the Meridian
Library at Cherry Lane (1326 W Cherry
Lane, Meridian).
Programs on off-grid power, hunting and fishing, backyard beekeeping,
and permaculture will continue in April
and May. Complete information may be
found on the Meridian Library web site,
www.mld.org. For more information,
Audra Green
contact Audra Green at 1326 W. Cherry
Lane, Meridian, Idaho 83642 or e-mail audra @mld.org.
Your local public libraries in Meridian, Eagle and Star have
resources including computers and other digital media devices and
assistance to patrons you won’t find anywhere else and all services
are free to patrons!
Obtiuary: George Naumann Prange
George Naumann Prange, 76, passed away on March 11, 2015
after a long battle with cancer. Funeral services under the direction
of Accent Funeral Home were held on March 15 at Friendship
Celebration Lutheran Church, Meridian. Remembrances may be
left on-line for the family at www.AccentFuneral.com.
George was born in Los Angeles, California on July 11th, 1939
to Alfred Christian Prange and Helene Emma Marie Prange, the
first of nine children. He proudly served his country in the United
States Army as a mechanic and was honorably discharged in August 1967. On January 15th, 1966, he married Leota McCulley;
they had three daughters. George loved life and people. Coming
from a large extended family helped him find something good in
everyone. He was always there to help you with his vast knowledge of things he knew and could teach you. He was a man of
integrity and would let you know if he did not agree with something. He had a way with people and would talk to anyone just to
find out their story and what made them happy. He was always
spreading the work of God and faith.
George turned the skills he learned from his father, Alfred,
into a career when he purchased ABC Lawn Sprinkler and later
opened other companies, ABC Grounds Care and ABC Trencher
Supply, where he sold trenchers and parts for a while. He was very
proud of all of the work he accomplished and would always make
reference to the jobs he did. His biggest work accomplishment
was when he landed a job for Universal Studios in the mid 70’s.
He completed many projects at the studios and made many friends,
becoming known as the “Honorable Mayor” of Universal Citywalk,
where ABC Grounds Care continues to maintain the landscaped
areas.
George was greatly involved in his church, Friendship Celebration Lutheran Church in Meridian, Idaho and also a huge part
of the community. His hobbies included NASCAR, politics, woodworking projects and just spending time talking to people. He enjoyed the little things in life like just taking a drive down a dirt
road and getting lost or watching trains
go by. Most of his life was spent in California until 2005, when he and Leota decided to retire to Idaho. He spent 10 wonderful years in the Gem State enjoying his
three grandchildren. He made many new
friends and continued to spread the word
of God. His calling was to make sure he
touched as many people with God’s word
that he could. He was a great husband,
father, brother and friend who will be truly missed by everyone.
George is survived by his wife, Leota, and three daughters,
Renee (Chuck) Durbin, Diane (Chris) Schmitt and Karen
Kirchenbauer and his five beloved grandchildren, Cody, Kaylee,
Braden, Cade and Addison. George also leaves seven siblings, Anton
(Janis deceased), Helen (Larry) Huedephol, twins Mike (Elizabeth)
and Dennis (Lynda), Norman (deceased) and Lynn, Mark (Irma),
Luke (Dorie) and Roy (Pam).
March 16, 2015
Valley Times
Page 20
Student Art Show at Meridian City Hall: Variety, depth and lots of talent
Renaissance High School students’ talents for painting and drawing art forms are on display through April 2nd at Initial Point
Gallery at Meridian City Hall, third floor. Below are two of dozens of collages that collectively present several students’ artwork on one
poster. The first poster, below, shows, counterlockwise from left, artwork by Aurora Lakey, Cameron Skaggs, Andrew Clifford, Diamond Quarnberg, Karson Williamsen and Megan Trawick.
The second poster, below at
left, presents individual artwork
by Renae Taylor (“Hands Up,
Don’t Shoot,” inspired by the
media narrative from Ferguson
Missouri), Chris Schmitchger
(“1957 Chevrolet Bel Air”) and
Mursal Faridun (“Skull with
Flowers,” comments on death).
If you plan to visit the exhibit, plan to spend at least a
half-hour or more to appreciate
the wide variety of topic and presentation. Some of the artwork
is for sale. If you see one or more
you might want to purchase, email Cheyenne Quilter of the
Meridian Arts Commission at
[email protected].
Below, the shamrock, leaf of
the clover plant, is a traditional
symbol of all things Irish on St.
Patrick’s Day. See article, photo
on Page 14
The
Gathering
Place
Beer Specials, Board Games,
Snacks & Fun!
featuring Beer Pong tables
Full Bar
Happy Hours 1/2 off ALL drinks
M-F 3:30-6:30
50 E. State Street in
Downtown Eagle
230-1180