Design-review bill dies in Senate
A bill that would curtail municipalities’ design-review authority has died in an Idaho Senate committee.
Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee Chair Jeff Siddoway, R-Terreton, earlier this week said the bill won’t receive a hearing in the committee.
House Bill 480 was passed by the House in late February. It is opposed by elected officials in all the Wood River Valley’s cities.
EPA nullification bill fails to advance
BOISE (AP)—The Idaho House has failed to advance a bill that would have declared some restrictions handed down by the Environmental Protection Agency as unconstitutional.
The bill on Tuesday was returned to the Natural Resources and Conservation Committee, likely killing its chances of passage as this session winds to a close.
Rep. Paul Shepherd, a Republican from Riggins, had touted his bill as a way for Idaho to disregard many federal regulations on air and water pollution.
In particular, his bill would help dredge miners in his district whose work was impeded by what they call the EPA’s unnecessarily restrictive water pollution rules.
The bill was met with deep skepticism from lawmakers who questioned its legality.
Papoose Club gives $4,500 in March
At its March meeting, the Papoose Club gave out donations totaling $4,500. The club has given out almost $25,000 since the beginning of the fiscal year last September.
The Wood River Community YMCA was awarded funds to subsidize transportation for its Summer Camp. The Papoose Club donated to the Environmental Resource Center EcoCamp to help with scholarships for summer day and overnight camps. Sun Valley Youth Hockey was granted funding for scholarships that will assist approximately 20 youths to participate in youth hockey; the program serves nearly 190 youths in total.
The mission of the Papoose Club is to promote and assist educational, cultural and athletic growth for the children of the Wood River Valley.
Group reinstates Ketchum BAH
A group of citizens has reinstated the monthly Business After Hours social gatherings in Ketchum.
The first meeting will be at 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 26, at the Frenchman’s Gulch Winery, 360 E. Ninth St., in Ketchum. Snacks, soft drinks and coffee will be served. Charles Smasne of the winery will serve wine.
The agenda will include introductions of businesses new to the community, discussion of a mission statement, plans for sustainability and growth of the BAH, and brief presentations of pro-business activities in the community. There will not be any raffles or giveaways—just business discussion and socializing from 5-6 p.m. For inclusion in the agenda, contact Gary Hoffman at 725-5522.
The cost will be borne by the attendees themselves, not the hosting venue. There will be a $5 fee per person collected on entry.
Hunger Coalition adds to services
The Hunger Coalition has made changes to the services they provide in order to accommodate a spike in need. In February, the Hunger Coalition broke a record by feeding 67 families in one day; that volume has never been seen at the organization’s location in Bellevue, even in the lowest part of the economic recession.
Food distribution hours have been expanded at the Bellevue warehouse location. Every Monday from 1-6 p.m., it is open to the public, offering food assistance and private consultations for walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis.
On Tuesdays from 4-5 p.m., the Hailey Mobile Food Bank has shifted locations to Silver Creek High School in order to provide more privacy to participants. From 3:30-4:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Ketchum food recipients, who also receive pet food through the Paws for Hunger program, will have the opportunity to pick up pet food at the Ketchum Mobile Food Bank.
For more information, call 788-0121.