Stennett invited to legislative school
Idaho State Sen. Michelle Stennett has been invited to be a participant in the Council of State Governments-West to its prestigious training institute for lawmakers in their first four years of service.
The council is a non-partisan, non-profit organization serving state legislators in 13 Western states. The purpose of the Western Legislative Academy is to foster excellence and effectiveness in state lawmakers in the Western region.
Admission to the Western Legislative Academy is based on a commitment to public service, a desire to improve personal legislative effectiveness and an interest in improving the overall legislative process. Of the 114 applicants from throughout the West, only 39 legislators were chosen to be members of the Western Legislative Academy’s Class of 2013.
The Western Legislative Academy will convene November 13-16, in Colorado Springs, Colo., for intensive training in subjects including legislative institutions, ethics, communications, negotiations, time management and leadership.
5K and other ways to donate to local fire departments
Want to say “thank you” to firefighters in a way that keeps on giving?
On Monday, Sept. 2, one way is to lace up your tennis shoes and join in the Bellevue 5K Fun Run/Walk to benefit the volunteer Bellevue Fire Department.
Sign up on site for $20 or in advance at www.imAthlete.com for $15. Proceeds go to the Burn Out Fund, which is used to help anyone who suffers a home fire.
If you would like to make a donation to your local Fire Department: Wood River Fire & Rescue Firefighters Associations, 117 E. Walnut Street, Hailey, ID 83333; Bellevue Fire Department, P.O. Box 825, Bellevue, ID 83313; Hailey Volunteer Firefighters Association, P.O. Box 1192, Hailey, ID 83333; Ketchum/ Sun Valley Volunteer Association, P.O. Box 1262, Ketchum, ID 83340.
Fundraiser for fallen firefighters
Ketchum Professional Firefighters and Sun Valley Crossfit are holding a local version of a national fundraiser to support the families of the firefighters killed in an Arizona wildfire this summer.
The Hotshots 19 Hero Workout Fundraiser will be held Saturday, Aug. 31, with doors opening at 8:30 a.m. at 336 Lewis Street, Unit 5, in Ketchum.
Entry is free, but donations are welcomed. If you would prefer to donate online, visit www.sunvalleycrossfit.com or wwwlketchumfirefighters.com.
Nineteen of the Granite Mountain Hotshots died in Yarnell, Ariz., on June 30.
Police on lookout for drunk drivers
The Idaho Transportation Department reminds motorists to make the right choice and not drive impaired this Labor Day weekend.
ITD and law enforcement officers throughout Idaho are partnering in a high-visibility, impaired-driving education and enforcement campaign through Sept. 8.
The campaign is part of a nationwide Labor Day education and enforcement campaign targeting impaired driving.
By increasing patrols, officers expect to arrest more impaired drivers and make the holiday weekend safer
for motorists.
“Designate a sober driver and give up those car keys, arrange for alternative transportation, don’t let someone drive that you know is impaired, and always wear your seat belt,” said Kevin Bechen, from ITD’s Office of Highway Safety. “If you see an impaired driver on the roadway, find a safe place to pull over and report that driver to law enforcement.”
Last year, 73 people died across the state as a result of impaired-driving crashes.
West Nile virus case reported
The first confirmed human case of West Nile virus in south-central Idaho has been reported, prompting health officials to remind people to “Fight the Bite” of mosquitoes.
“The adult male, in his 40s, is recovering at home and was not hospitalized. Due to the nature of his work and the fact that he travels throughout the state, it is very difficult to pinpoint exactly where he was bitten by an infected mosquito,” said Logan Hudson, SCPHD nurse. “This is a great reminder to the public that West Nile cases typically peak in mid-August or early September, just in time for students returning to school, early hunting season, and other late summer outdoor activities, so everyone should take extra precautions.”
Four out of five people infected with West Nile do not show symptoms. However, people with symptoms may experience fever, headaches, body aches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, eye pain and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash. Symptoms typically occur two to 14 days after the bite of an infected mosquito. More severe infections may involve the central nervous system.
If a person is experiencing symptoms of West Nile, they should contact their local health care provider. Individuals may also obtain information by visiting www.phd5.idaho.gov or www.cdc.gov/westnile.
