The Daily Press http://am-news.com http://am-news.com/apfeed.xml--1 Copyright The Daily Press 2013-06-20T00:56:16-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:74592013-06-20T00:56:16-04:002013-06-20T00:56:16-04:00Copyright 2010 Blackfoot Morning NewsThe fun, 'construction themed' program will keep kids busy through July with activities and the opportunity to win prizes by reading books. "The library has dug up truckloads of things to do during this summer's program," said Lisa Harral, library director. "There will be different challenges available each week on the entry table. Individuals or families can have fun making and doing one or all of the challenges. The activity station has fun things to do whenever you visit the library."Self confessed bookworm, Kate Williams, was among the many kids who signed up for summer reading on Wednesday. At just six years old, Kate said her favorite author is Roald Dahl and that she has already read "Matilda," "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and "Charlotte's Web." "I love to read. I have read a lot of books all in one day," she said.Mandy Williams, Kate's mother, said that her daughter does indeed read above her grade level and that they are looking forward to the many activities in this year's summer reading program.Harral said that even though the reading program has officially started, there is still time to sign up, saying, "We have nearly 1,000 kids signed up already and our goal is to have 1,300 participants." While most of the activities are geared around elementary aged children, The summer reading program is free to readers in the Blackfoot area from toddler to high school age. Blackfoot, IDLISA LETEBlackfoot reading program beginsBlackfoot Morning Newsurn:publicid:dailypress.com:7459Change0Usable2013-06-20T00:56:16-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:74572013-06-19T20:29:20-04:002013-06-19T20:29:20-04:00Copyright 2010 Blackfoot Morning Newsoutdoor concerts will be held at Blackfoot’s Courtyard Square Park across the street from Hawker Funeral Home on Judicial and Shilling Streets. The concerts will run every other Wednesday beginning at 6:30 p.m. and lasting until approximately 8:30 p.m. or until it gets too dark to see. The first in the series of concerts will start on June 26 with the band “Electric Connection.” Other groups on the “Music in the Park” concert schedule include: July 10 - “Under the Western Sky;” July 24 - Mike Bankf; Aug. 14 - Jazz House Big Band; and Aug. 28 - Lyle Albertson. “I hope everyone willBlackfoot, IDLISA LETEMusic in the Park tradition returnsBlackfoot Morning Newsurn:publicid:dailypress.com:7457Change0Usable2013-06-19T20:29:20-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:74532013-06-18T23:26:36-04:002013-06-18T23:26:36-04:00Copyright 2010 Blackfoot Morning NewsWith a hefty goal of $150,000 - hundreds of participants, volunteers and spectators showed up for the all-night event at Blackfoot High School last weekend to help raise money and to honor and remember cancer victims.Although the event did fall short of raising $150,000, organizers say it was still a "great success" and that it's not too late to donate."Although it was windy and cold, the community was willing to give of their time and supported the festivities for Relay," said Joyce Dalley, co-chair of the event. "The track was filled with numerous survivors and their loved ones who walked with dignity and supported them during their lap."Dalley said the onsite fundraisers did well with some food booths selling out before the night was over. A variety of homemade treats, handmade goods, raffles and face painting were a few of the big hits at the event."The quilt auction was very successful. The quilts were beautiful and the recipients who received them were grateful. The all-night activities were outstanding; the youth had a great time and more people attended the closing ceremonies than in year's past," Dalley said.Dalley said that one of the evening's highlights was the Luminaria Ceremony which was presented with "grace and reverence" in memory of those who lost their lives to cancer. "We want to thank all those teams who were willing to endure to the end in spite of the cold and the wind," Dalley said. "We walk all night in symbolism of the cancer journey. We don't stop just because it gets hard.""Numerous participants walked many laps, some equaling up to 32 miles. We appreciate all the dedicated participants. A BIG thank you to all of the sponsors who donated money, the businesses who donated items for drawings, Blackfoot High School and to the team captains, team members, committee and all of those who helped support Relay For Life," she added.Anyone who would still like to make a donation to Relay For Live can mail it to American Cancer Society, PO Box 190, Blackfoot, ID 83221.Blackfoot, IDLISA LETERelay For Life a successBlackfoot Morning Newsurn:publicid:dailypress.com:7453Change0Usable2013-06-18T23:26:36-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:74432013-06-18T13:57:45-04:002013-06-18T13:57:45-04:00Copyright 2010 Blackfoot Morning Newsa warning sign of other, more significant health concerns,” said Corica.“The only way to know is to discuss and such concerns with your physician.” The Men’s Health Seminar addresses a growing trend towards prevention programs specifically geared to men’s health issues. “It is widely known that most women will gather anytime, anywhere to discuss their health concerns,” Corica noted. "More than ever, men are eager to find out what is causing their aches and pains, how to prevent disease,prolong their health and discuss important health issues with a physician.” Doors for the seminar will open at 6 p.m., with a presentation about new and effective treatments for ED and incontinence starting at 6:30 p.m. A question and answer session will follow. The doctors will also host the seminar in Pocatello June 25 in the Pebble Creek Auditorium at PMC. To register for either seminar call 239-1048. ToBlackfoot, IDLISA LETEMen's health seminar comes to BlackfootBlackfoot Morning Newsurn:publicid:dailypress.com:7443Change0Usable2013-06-18T13:57:45-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:74402013-06-18T00:01:25-04:002013-06-18T00:01:25-04:00Copyright 2010 Blackfoot Morning NewsThat's what mayors from Blackfoot and Aberdeen and other interested representatives heard during a hearing with the Bingham County commissioners on Monday."It is anticipated there will be a $250,000 shortfall at the end of fiscal year 2013," said David Babbitt, Bingham County Public Works Director.The fiscal year goes from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30 each year. The taxable year goes from Jan. 1 through Dec. 30.Currently, Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) is subsidized at $10 per ton, Babbitt said. The county collects $35 per ton from commercial haulers and pays $45 per ton to get rid of it. "It's estimated 25,000 tons of municipal solid waste goes through the transfer station each year," said Babbitt. "Some years are a little less."Taxes per household cost $138 per year before the transfer station was completed in 2000. That amount was collected with the county property taxes.The tax rate is now lower. The county collects a user fee of $44 per ton with the property taxes at this time."It costs the county $58.11 per ton if you divide the total tons of waste into the total budget," Babbitt said.One suggestion coming from the hearing was to charge commercial and residential users the same fee. For the last 13 years, commercial loads have been charged $35 per ton; residential loads are charged $40 per ton.  With the costs being $45 per ton to process, haul, and landfill the municipal waste, the county is losing $5 to $10 on every ton of MSW.Blackfoot Mayor Mike Virtue said he would support one adjustment to solid waste that would include tires and appliances.Tires are currently accepted at no charge.  Firth clerk Robert Dial said, "I would see more tires and appliances left in my barrow pit if there is a charge on tires and refrigerators."Babbitt anticipates a 25 percent increase in volume of all waste—household, construction and demolition, grass clippings, tires, appliances, etc.—if the total solid waste budget is put on the tax rolls, as it was in the 1990’s.   Part of the anticipated increase would come from the City of Shelley because the county is not currently handling its waste.After some discussion the goal was not to shift the entire budget to the property taxes, but just the shortfall.Commissioner Mark Bair said the most equitable way to pay for the shortfall is to charge the people who use the service.The commissioners took the suggestions under advisement. Their decision will be made at a public meeting but no more testimony will be accepted on this subject.No date has yet been set for that meeting. Blackfoot, IDLESLIE MIELKECommissioners discuss solid waste shortfallBlackfoot Morning Newsurn:publicid:dailypress.com:7440Change0Usable2013-06-18T00:01:25-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:74392013-06-17T13:22:56-04:002013-06-17T13:20:46-04:00Copyright 2010 Blackfoot Morning NewsYoung (a BYU instructor),started teaching a handful of kids clogging on apiece of plywood in her backyard. With each passing year, more and morechildren joined the fun - creating what became a 10-year phenomenon in the area. The were known as “The Snake River Cloggers.” Now over, 30 years later, a reunion is being planned in Riverside for the former cloggers, director member and their spouses. Bush, who was a country music singer back in the 80s, said she started the clogging group after seeing some cloggers dance while she was performing in Utah for Pioneer Day festivities. She thought that clogging would be a good activity for her own daughter whowas looking for something to do after the family moved into the area from Salmon. “I talked to the instructor in Utah who got me in touch with Dewayne. We soon discovered that the kids in this area really wanted to learn to clog dance.” Bush said. “The Snake River Cloggers went strong for 10 years with over 100 dancers some years. We performed all over the place...for parades, festivals, fairs,symphonies, competitions... in places as far as away as Disneyland, Sea World and Knotts Berry Farm.” Bush, who has a large scrapbook dedicated to the group’s travels, said, “to this day I run into former cloggers throughoutthe community who remember me and want to reminisce about the good times they had as a Snake River Clogger.” “These kids are all grown up now withchildren of their own. It’s time for a reunion. I hope people will start making plans to attend,” she added. The Snake River Cloggers Reunion will be held July 13 from 1-3 p.m. at the Pine Grove (12 South 615 West) in Riverside. For more information or to confirm attendance contact Scott Baker at S.R.Cloggers30@gmail.com. A Facebook page has also beenBlackfoot, IDLISA LETECloggers Planning ReunionBlackfoot Morning Newsurn:publicid:dailypress.com:7439Change0Usable2013-06-17T13:20:46-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:74382013-06-17T11:59:35-04:002013-06-17T11:59:35-04:00Copyright 2010 Blackfoot Morning NewsThe family is Shaun and Amber Birch to whom twin girls were born in April. Daughter Ivy is thriving but daughter Ava started her life atSalt Lake City’s Primary Children’s Medical Center. Ava is still struggling in the NICU there. Ava was born with three development anomalies. She has already undergone surgery to reconnect her esophagus to her stomach, which was successful. Her esophagus is too narrow forher to properly swallow which has caused her to stop breathing several times. A blog has been established to keep up with Ava’s progress atavalonranae.blogspot.com. Saturday’s blog read, in part, “Ava is not doing so well. She is septic, blood infection, which is not good. It is most likely due to the perforation that occurred when dilating the esophagus on Thursday.” Sunday, her dad, Shaun, wrote, “Rough stuff continues Ava is stabilized and that’s about as good as it gets. They had to assist her breathing overnight and she is still on it today. She has a pocket of infection that they are going to do an ultrasound on and possibly pull out with a syringe. The doc says that the pocket wascreated because of the perforation in Ava’s esophagus. They don’t want the pocket to continue to build and cause more serious problems... Like they aren’t serious enough already.” Shaun works in Idaho Falls and commutes each weekend to Salt Lake City. His wife, Amber, and theirchildren are currently in the Ronald McDonald House in Salt Lake so they can be near Ava. Activities for the benefit begin at 6:30 p.m. Thursdayat Journey Church, 505 N. Park Ave. in Shelley. There will be Bingo, as well as raffle items, prizes, food and fun. All proceeds will go toBlackfoot, IDLESLIE MIELKEJourney Church seeks aid for local familyBlackfoot Morning Newsurn:publicid:dailypress.com:7438Change0Usable2013-06-17T11:59:35-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:74342013-06-15T00:20:40-04:002013-06-15T00:20:40-04:00Copyright 2010 Blackfoot Morning NewsWarm hearts made up for the chilly evening temperature as hundreds of volunteers, team members (from up to 48 teams) and spectators converged on the Blackfoot High School football field Friday evening for the all night Relay For Life - American Cancer Society fundraiser.The annual event brings the community together - not only to raise money to fight the disease - but to celebrate, honor and remember those who have been affected by cancer.This year, organizers have set a goal to raise $150,000. Over $60,000 has already been raised by teams doing individual fundraising events the past few months. Vendors were on hand selling food and goods, while many items were auctioned off throughout the evening. Publicity director Mikki Turman said two of the most poignant traditions of the evening are the luminaria ceremony to honor those who lost their lives to cancer and the "survivors' walk" - where each cancer survivor present is called by name, walking through an arch made up of symbolic purple and white balloons, amidst tears and cheers, to walk a lap around the track."I think the highlight of the evening is the survivors' walk. I really look forward to it ever year," Turman said.Darlene Grimm of Blackfoot was one of over 100 cancer survivors whose name was called out to walk. Grimm, a 10-year breast cancer survivor, said she looks forward to Relay For Life every year. "It's one of the most wonderful events ever. I come for the fun and the moral support. I never want to miss it," she said.Caroline Hansen of Shelley brought her young daughters Kaitlyn (10) and Jerika (4) to the event saying, "We're here to honor everyone who has battled cancer, but I also want my daughters to learn the importance of community involvement."This is the eighth year that Blackfoot has held a Relay For Life event. The exact amount raised from the efforts will not be known until later in the summer as donations will still be gathered through August. Blackfoot, IDLISA LETECommunity celebrates Relay for LifeBlackfoot Morning Newsurn:publicid:dailypress.com:7434Change0Usable2013-06-15T00:20:40-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:74302013-06-13T22:47:41-04:002013-06-13T22:47:41-04:00Copyright 2010 Blackfoot Morning NewsSonia Martinez, LEAD Director, described Plazas Comunitarias as a "technology-based resource center for Spanish-speaking adult learners to learn English and complete their elementary or middle school education, work towards a GED or take online workforce training."The purpose of the Mexican Consulate in Boise is to help the Mexican citizens who are attempting to work legally in the United States, and continue to promote the Mexican culture, pursue businesses and encourage trade. Martinez praised the local partners who have assisted LEAD in their effort to reach Bingham County's Latino citizens, specifically personnel from U.S. Bank and Wells Fargo Bank for their willingness to help local Latinos obtain credit and teach them banking skills. Representatives from Wells Fargo Bank presented a check for $3,500 at the event to put toward LEAD's computer training."We're so thankful to our partners who have continued to provide tech support for our computer lab, made possible through a grant initiated by Senator Mike Crapo and other state leaders," Martinez said. "We are the first organization in the state to focus on asset development for Idaho's Latinos. We've put Idaho on the map."She added, "Southeast Idaho has a vibrant Latino community. I believe we've reached a point where people love our community."Consul Carlos Rubio acknowledged the efforts of LEAD and praised the local Latino community for its hard work and entrepreneurship. "I will keep working for Idaho and Mexico to build a strong commercial relationship where education is the key," he said. Blackfoot Mayor Mike Virtue also praised LEAD's accomplishments, saying, "This is our community. What happens in our community, good or bad, is in our hands.We celebrate our differences, knowing we all have common goals. We want our children and grandchildren to have the opportunity for education and success. Once this is established, the rest of the pieces will fall into place. I appreciate the efforts of all."The event concluded Quezada unveiling of a large mural. Quezada, who was born in Mexico City and has lived in Aberdeen for 12 years, said, "I hope you like my art. I painted something to honor the people who come here to learn and work so hard." The unveiling was the first time that the LEAD staff and members of the community had seen the painting, prompting cheers and applause from those present."I did not know what to expect," said Martinez. "This beautiful mural embodies everything that we support - education, hard work, and that's it's never too late to learn."The mural will hang permanently inside LEAD's computer lab in the Partners for Prosperity building (625 W. Pacific St.) in Blackfoot. Blackfoot, IDLISA LETELatino community presents Plaza Comunitarias; unveils paintingBlackfoot Morning Newsurn:publicid:dailypress.com:7430Change0Usable2013-06-13T22:47:41-04:00 urn:publicid:dailypress.com:74282013-06-12T23:37:59-04:002013-06-12T23:37:59-04:00Copyright 2010 Blackfoot Morning News It's not every day that law enforcement officers are served a free lunch while the interior and exterior of their police car is washed and shined.However, the staff from Blackfoot's On The Spot Carpet Cleaning did just that Wednesday afternoon for the city and county officers for Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.Derek Preece, owner of On The Spot, said he started the annual event nine years ago "as way of thanking the men and women who serve the community."These people do a lot of jobs that no one else wants to do. We owe them a big thanks," Preece said. "I don't fear getting shot with my job but it's something law enforcement faces every day."Preece and about 12 of his employees served the officers a lunch of barbecue pork sandwiches, salads and brownies. Afterwards an assembly line of police cars was formed and the workers went to work washing and polishing the inside and outside of the vehicles - cleaning about 60 cars.Blackfoot Police Chief Kurt Asmus expressed his appreciation to On The Spot Carpet Cleaning for the service.On The Spot has been in business in Blackfoot for 16 years and currently employs 17 people.Blackfoot, IDLISA LETELocal business honors law enforcement officersBlackfoot Morning Newsurn:publicid:dailypress.com:7428Change0Usable2013-06-12T23:37:59-04:00