The Daily Press http://am-news.com http://am-news.com/apfeed.xml--1 Copyright The Daily Press 2013-05-18T00:10:13-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:73122013-05-18T00:10:13-04:002013-05-18T00:10:13-04:00Copyright 2010 Blackfoot Morning NewsThe students said they particularly enjoyed making the hardtack - a hard, thick flat cracker, described as "an edible rock" often eaten by sailors out at sea. The crackers are supposed to keep indefinitely and not become spoiled or infested by weevils or grubs.The 'pirate feast,' prepared and served by the students in the food classroom, was one of the many activities held throughout that week as part of the Follett Challenge and celebrating the classic tale "Treasure Island." Follett, the company that provides the school's textbooks and circulation system for the library, helps prepare the students for the 21st Century by offering the challenge and encouraging them to read classics and participate in activities that encourage critical thinking and group participation. English teacher Kendra Cox, director of the school's English as a Second Language (ESL) program, coordinated the challenge by having the kids read "Treasure Island" and participating in nautical and pirate-themed activities. Besides studying pirates and the foods they ate, the students studied islands and had a treasure hunt throughout the school. The band created some nautical music and the school's shop class even made some small boats used for a race, while the school's drama department created a documentary on the project.Cox said she was pleased that nearly every department in the school got involved in the challenge, adding, "We also had an 'island-themed' door decorating contest. The kids have had so much fun with this and they have learned so much."Follett offers a challenge to schools each year with some of the schools receiving award money for their participation.Blackfoot, IDLISA LETEMVMS students enjoy pirate mealBlackfoot Morning Newsurn:publicid:dailypress.com:7312Change0Usable2013-05-18T00:10:13-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:73032013-05-16T23:31:55-04:002013-05-16T23:31:55-04:00Copyright 2010 Blackfoot Morning NewsBingham County Commissioner Ladd Carter, who saw the bees from his office, called his son, Chase, a novice beekeeper. Chase brought a honey box to catch the bees.Chase estimates that there were probably 30 to 40 thousand bees in the swarm, explaining that this time of the year it is natural for honeybees to multiply their hives by producing new queens. The old queen will leave the hive with about two-thirds of the colony following her to find a new home, which is likely what was going on with this swarm of bees.Roger Porter, an experienced beekeeper from Chubbuck, expanded on the phenomenon, saying, "The hives get crowded and begin producing a new queen (or queens). Sometimes [a colony] will produce up to four or five 'virgin queens.' The 'old mother queen' goes with her followers to find a new home. Once the queen finds a new home the bees begin to release a scent into the air, attracting the rest of the followers to 'come and set up residence.'"While some spectators watching the bees were a little squeamish and frightened of them, Chase assured them that the bees are "quite tame this time of the year.""If you approach them slowly, even if you stick your hand in them, they probably won't sting you," he said. "They will get a little more aggressive in the fall when they are protecting their honey." Chase said such swarms are not uncommon and that he has witnessed 4 or 5 of them in the five years that he has been tending bees. Katie Harris of Blackfoot also had a swarm of bees outside of her home in Pheasant Hollow last Saturday afternoon. Harris called local beekeeper Bryce Moser to come and get the bees.Blackfoot, IDLISA LETEHoneybees swarm BlackfootBlackfoot Morning Newsurn:publicid:dailypress.com:7303Change0Usable2013-05-16T23:31:55-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:73022013-05-16T23:25:09-04:002013-05-16T23:25:09-04:00Copyright 2010 Blackfoot Morning NewsBingham County Commissioner Ladd Carter, who saw the bees from his office, called his son, Chase, a novice beekeeper. Chase brought a honey box to catch the bees.Chase estimates that there were probably 30 to 40 thousand bees in the swarm, explaining that this time of the year it is natural for honeybees to multiply their hives by producing new queens. The old queen will leave the hive with about two-thirds of the colony following her to find a new home, which is likely what was going on with this swarm of bees.Roger Porter, an experienced beekeeper from Chubbuck, expanded on the phenomenon, saying, "The hives get crowded and begin producing a new queen (or queens). Sometimes [a colony] will produce up to four or five 'virgin queens.' The 'old mother queen' goes with her followers to find a new home. Once the queen finds a new home the bees begin to release a scent into the air, attracting the rest of the followers to 'come and set up residence.' "While some spectators watching the bees were a little squeamish and frightened of them, Chase assured them that the bees are "quite tame this time of the year.""If you approach them slowly, even if you stick your hand in them, they probably won't sting you," he said. "They will get a little more aggressive in the fall when they are protecting their honey." Chase said such swarms are not uncommon and that he has witnessed 4 or 5 of them in the five years that he has been tending bees. Katie Harris of Blackfoot also had a swarm of bees outside of her home in Pheasant Hollow last Saturday afternoon. Harris called local beekeeper Bryce Moser to come and get the bees.Chase, who dabbles in jarring honey for his family and friends, said he will take the bees home and tend them. Blackfoot, IDLISA LETESwarm of honeybees converges on BlackfootBlackfoot Morning Newsurn:publicid:dailypress.com:7302Change0Usable2013-05-16T23:25:09-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:72962013-05-15T22:49:49-04:002013-05-15T22:49:49-04:00Copyright 2010 Blackfoot Morning NewsThe Bingham County D.A.R.E program started with a grant in 1990 and was spearheaded by two sheriff's deputies who started teaching the program in the schools in an effort to steer kids away from violence, drugs and alcohol.In 1993, the deputies decided to incorporate an end of the year activities party where all of the D.A.R.E. graduates could meet and celebrate their commitment to stay drug free.The day's events started with a group photo of all of the D.A.R.E graduates. From there the students participated in various games and activities and a picnic lunch provided by local law enforcement agencies, teachers and high school volunteers who served as student role models throughout the school year.Stoddard Elementary students Austin Meng and Ricardo Coronado couldn't wipe the smiles off their faces as they played in the spray of water shooting down from a fire truck, courtesy of the Blackfoot Fire Department. "We are having so much fun," Meng exclaimed. "This is way cool."Fort Hall Elementary student Jesus Apodaca agreed, saying that "he plans to stay drug and alcohol free because of what he learned in D.A.R.E." Sgt. Craig Luker of the Bingham County Sheriff's Department, who coordinated the event, thanked the teachers, principals, student role models and parents within the school districts for supporting the D.A.R.E program and the deputies who took the time to go into the schools and teach the program.Luker also praised local businesses McDonalds, Bingham County Implement, Lee's Service, Riverside Boot and Saddle, C-A-L Ranch Stores, Rupe's Burgers and the county's law enforcement agencies and fire departments for their support of D.A.R.E. "It would not be possible without the sustained funding and equipment usage this program receives from our great businesses and individuals," Luker said.For more information about D.A.R.E, call Luker at 208-782-3040.Blackfoot, IDLISA LETED.A.R.E. graduates celebrate at fairgroundsBlackfoot Morning Newsurn:publicid:dailypress.com:7296Change0Usable2013-05-15T22:49:49-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:72932013-05-15T13:05:25-04:002013-05-15T13:05:25-04:00Copyright 2010 Blackfoot Morning NewsAlthough customer service was important, Rockymountain often took three to four business days to receive a requested part. Now that it's the Bingham County Implement, it only takes a mere two hours to receive a part because it's part of a large corporation. This change has proven to be especially positive for Tracy Hillman, who was delighted to accept his appointment as the new service manager at Bingham County Implement, the local John Deere dealership. Tracy was raised on a 1,000-acre farm in the Shelley- Firth area where his family raised potatoes, wheat, barley, alfalfa, and managed 170 head on a cow-calf operation. He also has a bachelor of science degree in Ag Business/Ag Economy with a dual minor in Animal Science and Japanese from Utah State University.Among Hillman's achievements is the American Farmer Degree Award in National FFA. He is an Idaho State certified crop advisor and an Eagle Scout. In 1991, he served an LDS Church mission in Fukuoka, Japan.He has been self-employed for most of his life, and has successfully owned and operated his own business in the construction industry. Hillman claims that it truly had to take something worthwhile for him to get out of the construction business, and C Because he grew up on a farm, he claims that John Deere is truly the "Dream Team" to work for. He also said that it's the perfect place because, "[John Deere] has never been broke, bought, or bankrupt." When asked what his plans and hopes for the business are, he replied, "I see (Bingham County Implement) growing tenfold." He also said he sees working for Bingham County Implement as a solid long-term commitment. "I think he is a great guy, and we are more than happy to have him" says store manager Brian Harrington. Hillman's family still farms in the local area and have been great supporters of the John Deere line of equipment. Blackfoot, IDSamantha RichardsonNew Service Manager at Bingham County ImplementBlackfoot Morning Newsurn:publicid:dailypress.com:7293Change0Usable2013-05-15T13:05:25-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:72912013-05-15T11:40:59-04:002013-05-15T11:40:59-04:00Copyright 2010 Blackfoot Morning NewsBingham County SheriffREPOSSESSION ATTEMPT: April 15, 5:56 p.m.: A man said he was attempting a repossession and the woman fled in the vehicle and hit a real estate sign with her vehicle.ACTING STRANGE: April 16, 9:52 a.m.: A caller said a man is standing next to the interstate with his hands by his face and acting strange.FIRE: April 17, 8:27 a.m.: Dispatch received as report of a motorhome on fire on Highway 26.TRAMPOLINE PARTS: April 17, 2:22 p.m.: A woman said the net and springs of her trampoline have been stolen.PROWLER: April 19, 2:47 a.m.: A woman said someone tried to open the front door to her residence on Rich Lane.TRAILER TAKEN: April 19, 2:04 p.m.: A woman said she just noticed that her trailer has been stolen from her property.TRASH CAN: April 19, 2:34 p.m.: A woman said someone stole the Grandpa's Trash Service from her property.POTATO SLIME: April 19, 3:59 p.m.: A caller reported that potato slime has been spilled on the road and is causing a hazard on Highway 91.GRAND THEFT AUTO: April 20, 7:24 a.m.: A woman said her Jeep Cherokee was stolen during the night. She said the keys were left inside the vehicle.GRAND THEFT MOTOR: April 20, 3:10 p.m.: A man said he is missing 20 electric motors and two pump motors.RECOVERED PROPERTY: April 20, 5 p.m.: A caller said they located a stolen vehicle in a field.Blackfoot PoliceSTALKING: April 14, 9:50 p.m.: A woman said a man has called her 43 times in the last 24 hours and has threatened to burn her house down.BAD BREAK-UP: April 15, 4:28 p.m.: A woman said her ex-boyfriend has stolen her cell phone and will not return it.BROKEN GLASS: April 15, 6:02 p.m.: A man said he heard glass breaking at the Blackfoot Museum. He ran over and a male was in the area and said he did not do it. An arrest was made.GAS THEFT: April 15, 7:49 p.m.: A caller at Maverik reported a vehicle leaving without paying for $20 in gas.ATTEMPTED BREAK-IN: April 16, 11:15 a.m.: A woman said she thinks someone tried to break into her residence. She said when she came home her kitchen window was slightly open and he dog was injured.BURGLARY: April 16, 4:36 p.m.: A caller reported the theft of $21,000 that happened about a year ago. They said they think it was a family member who committed the theft.GAS THEFT: April 16, 7:13 p.m.: A caller at Maverik reported a vehicle leaving without paying for $19 in fuel.BAD BREAK-UP II: April 16, 8:27 p.m.: A woman said her ex-boyfriend broke in and stole her TV and damaged her door.STOLEN PILLS: April 17, 8:16 p.m.: A man said someone broke into his residence and took his medication.Blackfoot, IDMORNING NEWSPolice LogBlackfoot Morning Newsurn:publicid:dailypress.com:7291Change0Usable2013-05-15T11:40:59-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:72892013-05-14T23:55:49-04:002013-05-14T23:55:49-04:00Copyright 2010 Blackfoot Morning NewsMoore presented a check for $1,531 to Barbre's family Tuesday after just a little over a month of fundraising efforts. McKenzie's family will use the money to pay for medical bills.Moore, a senior at Blackfoot High School, tutored McKenzie in her third grade class at Stoddard Elementary School and was inspired by her positive attitude in spite of facing cancer at such a young age.McKenzie's mother, Brandie Thompson, said, "She was diagnosed with cancer around the muscle of her eye when she was in kindergarten. At that time, she had surgery putting the cancer in remission, only to have it return 10 months later. She recently went through another surgery and we are praying that the cancer doesn't return."Moore set out "Coins for Kenzie" cash boxes at businesses around town including Downtown Bread, Rupe's Burgers, Gold's Gym and Blackfoot Chevron, while with the help of Barbre's teacher, Tammi Dayley, coins were also collected at Stoddard Elementary School.Moore also sold hats at Blackfoot High School and the students wore them in support of the "Hats On For Kenzie" campaign. "McKenzie has truly touched my heart and has taught me the greatest lesson that 'no matter how bad a situation may be, all you need is positivity and nothing can bring you down,' " Moore said. "I know her family is having a rough time with all the medical bills and I wanted to do something to help."McKenzie's father, Mike Thompson, expressed his gratitude on behalf of the family, saying, "Thank you so much to all who participated in the fundraisers and to everyone who donated. Thank you so much."Blackfoot, IDLISA LETETeen presents check to family from coin campaignBlackfoot Morning Newsurn:publicid:dailypress.com:7289Change0Usable2013-05-14T23:55:49-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:72802013-05-13T23:46:40-04:002013-05-13T23:46:40-04:00Copyright 2010 Blackfoot Morning NewsTwelve years of planning, fund raisers and pledges culminated Monday morning with the installation of stained glass windows in the Bethel Lutheran Church, 413 N. Main St. in Firth. The windows are in the front of the sanctuary. The one the left side features a picture of the ascension of Jesus Christ. The right side features Jesus welcoming a small child. The two main panels measure 9 2/3 feet tall by 1 2/3 feet wide. The curved windows at the top of the design measure 1 2/3 feet tall by 1 2/3 feet wide. The windows were designed, built and installed by the Laws Stained Glass Studios, Inc., from Statesville, N.C. "Shipping and installation were included in the price," said church member Marlene Rogers. An acrylic covering is placed on each window to protect it from gravel, rocks, hail, BB guns or stray bullets, said installer Robert Marlow. "Kids doing wheelies in gravel give us a lot of business," he said. Marlow has been installing stained glass windows the the Laws Company for 32 years. This is the first stained glass window job that Laws has had west of the Mississippi River. "Most of our work is on the East Coast, from New York to Miami, Fla.," said Marlow. Members of the congregation approved the project 12 years ago. Funds collected in the memorial fund were put toward the windows. "Last September, we really got serious," Rogers said. "We had fundraisers and took pledges. "The best part of it was we paid it off [the windows] last Sunday," she said. The windows cost $20,000. "This is a birthday present for our church," said member Merlene Brockway. "The church is 115 years old this year." Members anticipate they will dedicate the windows sometime this summer. Bob and Cheri White organized the final drive to fund the stained glass windows. "I went by [the church] after work," said Cheri. "I think they're absolutely gorgeous; they're breathtaking We were able to meet our financial obligation with pledges and contributions from members and their families, friends and contributions from the memorial fund." The memorial fund is established in memory or in honor of designated people. A memorial plaque will be made to recognize contributions, White said. To complete the design, a cross will be placed on the inside of the building, between the stained glass windows. Another cross on the outside of the building will mirror the one on the inside. Blackfoot, IDLESLIE MIELKEFirth church gets stained glass windowsBlackfoot Morning Newsurn:publicid:dailypress.com:7280Change0Usable2013-05-13T23:46:40-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:72752013-05-13T00:02:51-04:002013-05-13T00:02:51-04:00Copyright 2010 Blackfoot Morning News"Spring Promises" is the the sequel to Gatewood's first book "Winter Secret" and the second of a four-book "Winter Secret" series, which some have compared to the popular "Born" book series."This is a pre-release of the book, a chance for all my friends and family to read it first" Gatewood explained. "The actual release date isn't until Aug. 6."Described as a "romantic suspense" novel, "Spring Promises" tests the love and brings new adventures between characters Derek Flynn and Cynthia Morrison when an ancient map ends up in their hands and they seek to discover its secrets. The pursuit for ancient hidden gold and treasure is a lure that draws greedy men into dangerous situations, ultimately interfacing with the lives of Derek and Cynthia.Gatewood, who has been compared to well known authors Mary Higgins Clark and Jason Wright, said she doesn't write books to become rich and famous but because she "has a true passion for writing.""I wrote these books because I love to write. I want people to enjoy a good book and I am always so excited to hear what people think after they read my books," she said. "I have been content with books sales and even more pleased with the positive reviews my books have received."Gatewood, who has had a career in real real estate and raised seven children, lives in rural Blackfoot where she is now able to write full time. She is currently working on the third book in the series, which she anticipates completing by Thanksgiving.Gatewood's books are currently available at Stinkin' Cute Craftbook Store (formerly M Blackfoot, IDLISA LETEAuthor completes second bookBlackfoot Morning Newsurn:publicid:dailypress.com:7275Change0Usable2013-05-13T00:02:51-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:72722013-05-10T22:57:56-04:002013-05-10T22:57:56-04:00Copyright 2010 Blackfoot Morning NewsTo provide more options for Snake River students, Basic American Foods plant manager Brent Higginson presented a check for $5,250 to the Snake River School District Friday. The money will be used for technology, probably the purchase of laptops to be used in the new civil engineering technology class offered at Snake River High School (SRHS) this fall. Darren Leavitt, an instructor at Idaho State University, will teach the class via the Idaho Education Network (IEN). Leavitt currently teaches this class by IEN to students attending colleges at ISU and in Lewiston, Meridian, Twin Falls and Idaho Falls. "This will be the first time I will be teaching this class to high school students," Leavitt said. "We are trying to make it so students can get dual enrollment credit. Students will receive high school credits and college credits. "It's a three-credit class," he said. "The cost for the college credits will be minimal." This civil engineering technology class will be offered at 1 p.m. each Tuesday and Thursday for one hour. This introductory class starts with the foundation of engineering and will bring the students up to the point of a 3-D model. Yes, Leavitt has plans for, hopefully, two drafting classes for the second semester. One class would be a mechanical drafting class; the other class a civil engineering class. The program that will be used is called Auto CAD (Computer Added Design). "This is a new way of learning," said Brent Higginson, Blackfoot plant manager for Basic American. "We [Basic American] would like to partner more and more with high school students to give them internship opportunities and possibly interest them to become an engineer at Basic American," he said. "Our greatest success is with people who live in this area, who want to be here. "We want to build a relationship with these students," said Higginson. "We are interested in improving education and keeping kids here." "[This money will be used to purchase the best computer for these kids," said Snake River Superintendent Mark Gabrylczyk. "The computers would be used only for this project. "This opens up opportunities for students," he said. This experience will help students seamlessly phase into something else, like mechanical, structural, civil, environmental engineering or technology that will prepare them for the work force, said Gabrylczyk. Blackfoot, IDLESLIE MIELKEBasic American helps Snake River begin program Blackfoot Morning Newsurn:publicid:dailypress.com:7272Change0Usable2013-05-10T22:57:56-04:00