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‘I would like to be less 50th:’ Task force continues work on physician shortage

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‘I would like to be less 50th:’ Task force continues work on physician shortage


West Virginia — like Idaho, a rural, mountainous state — has 4,914 doctors, ranking 24th in physicians per capita.

Idaho has 3,504 doctors, ranking 50th in the nation.

Idaho could take some ideas from West Virginia, as it looks to attract new doctors into its state. But it might come down to what Idaho can afford for scholarships and loan forgiveness, as it competes with other states with lavish mineral, oil and gas resources.

“I think we’re going to have to be a little bit more creative,” State Board of Education Executive Director Jennifer White said Monday, as a state working group held its third meeting to address Idaho’s physician shortage.

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Formed by the 2025 Legislature, the working group will report to lawmakers and Gov. Brad Little before the start of the 2026 session — with a new blueprint for partnering with medical schools in the region. A new law calls for the state to add another 30 publicly funded medical school seats over the next three years, while some lawmakers have suggested severing or cutting back Idaho’s 50-year partnership with the University of Washington’s WWAMI program, which now takes 40 Idaho students per year.

That’s where Idaho has put its medical education-related tax dollars. WWAMI — named for its member states of Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho — will receive $7.5 million this year. A smaller partnership with the University of Utah will receive $3.1 million.

Other small states have tried other approaches, according to State Board research presented Monday.

A combined admissions program offers undergraduate admission to the University of New Mexico and conditional admission to the university’s medical school — an incentive geared to students committed to stay in the state to practice medicine.

West Virginia offers targets loan forgiveness for graduates who commit to working in underserved areas. The state has ample space in its public medical schools for in-state students and keeps tuition affordable, White said. West Virginia also sponsors high school and college programs that are designed to encourage students to consider a career in medicine.

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The mutlipronged approach impressed Dr. Ted Epperly, a working group member who is the State Board’s graduate medical education coordinator. And while loan incentives have become the vehicle of choice in many states — and Idaho has a Rural Physician Incentive Program, partially state-funded, which offers up to $100,000 over four years — he said scholarships would also help medical school students on the front end.

“I think we’re ready for some scholarships in Idaho,” he said.

Two powerful forces contribute to the state’s physician shortage, and its No. 50 ranking for doctors per capita. The state’s doctors are aging. And the state is growing rapidly — leaving doctors to serve an ever-larger pool of patients.

It means Idaho might need to add 1,500 doctors just to get to the middle of the pack in doctors per capita, said Tracy Farnsworth, president of the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine, a for-profit medical school in Meridian.

Dr. Rayme Geidl, a working group member and the University of Idaho’s interim regional WWAMI dean, offered a more modest goal.

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“I would like to be less 50th,” she said.



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Idaho Lottery results: See winning numbers for Pick 3, Pick 4 on Feb. 12, 2026

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The results are in for the Idaho Lottery’s draw games on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026.

Here’s a look at winning numbers for each game on Feb. 12.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from Feb. 12 drawing

Day: 2-9-7

Night: 8-7-3

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Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from Feb. 12 drawing

Day: 1-5-7-6

Night: 8-1-6-6

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Feb. 12 drawing

10-12-24-32-35, Lucky Ball: 12

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Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Idaho Cash numbers from Feb. 12 drawing

11-31-38-43-44

Check Idaho Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Idaho Lottery drawings held ?

  • Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
  • Pick 3: 1:59 p.m. (Day) and 7:59 p.m. (Night) MT daily.
  • Pick 4: 1:59 p.m. (Day) and 7:59 p.m. (Night) MT daily.
  • Lucky For Life: 8:35 p.m. MT Monday and Thursday.
  • Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • 5 Star Draw: 8 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
  • Idaho Cash: 8 p.m. MT daily.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

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You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a USA Today editor. You can send feedback using this form.



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‘Let’s Get Weird’: Stanley Winterfest brings a unique vibe to the mountains this weekend

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‘Let’s Get Weird’: Stanley Winterfest brings a unique vibe to the mountains this weekend


STANLEY, Idaho — The 17th Stanley Winterfest kicks off this Friday with live music and then a whole day of activities on Saturday, including the infamous outhouse races.

Locals originally started this festival to bring the community together, but it has grown into a huge event for Stanley economically. The event also raises funds for local non-profits like the volunteer fire department, the school, and other services.

Check out the video to see more of what Winterfest is all about

Stanley Winterfest will bring a unique vibe to the mountains this weekend

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“It is a really unique [event], and it is one of a kind,” said Russell Clark, who helps organize Winterfest. He also operates the Mountain Village. “This event is the largest event for the winter season; the businesses really rely on this weekend for revenue.”

The marquee event is the outhouse races, and they are a sight to see. Every year, people custom make an outhouse on skis, and they hold races in downtown Stanley that are chock full of carnage and entertainment.

“When we first started the outhouse races, they were pretty simple, including just a standard outhouse that was attached to some skis,” said Clark. “Now people really up the ante, and they have really gotten creative in the past four years.”

Other activities on Saturday include the brand new human ice tug and favorites like the adult big wheel race, winter rafting on snow, and a pizza eating contest.

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People should also know the motto of the festival is “let’s get weird,” and one of the events includes a drag queen race.

Sledding on rafts has been a big hit in past years

“Our motto is ‘let’s get weird,’ and some people might take offense to that, but overall it is come and explore your inner self and have a little bit of fun,” said Clark. “My favorite part is watching everyone smile, and there is a lot of laughter.”

Lodging can be tricky for this event as all the rooms get booked months in advance, but you might have some luck with cancellations. People can also stay in Sun Valley or make a day trip out of it.

Click here for the event schedule.

Getting ready for Stanley Winterfest

This week, crews are working to bring snow to downtown as Stanley hasn’t received as much snow as they normally have. However, there was a lot of snow near Galena Summit and also at Banner Creek Summit on Highway 21.

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Safety upgrade planned for busy Chinden crossing in Garden City

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Safety upgrade planned for busy Chinden crossing in Garden City


GARDEN CITY, Idaho — Crossing Chinden Boulevard at 43rd Street in Garden City can feel difficult for pedestrians, especially families and children who live and attend school nearby. Ada County Highway District officials say a new crossing signal is expected to improve safety at the busy intersection later this year.

The intersection sits along a heavily traveled stretch of Chinden Boulevard near homes, schools and the Boys and Girls Club, with children and cyclists frequently crossing between neighborhoods.

ACHD says the location has been identified as a priority due to the number of people who rely on the corridor each day.

WATCH: A risky Chinden crossing is finally getting a safety upgrade

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Safety upgrade planned for busy Chinden crossing in Garden City

“We’ve done quite a bit of outreach to the community and got their feedback. And people are really excited about seeing this be constructed,” said Tawnya Converse, a senior project manager with ACHD.

When Idaho News 6 first reported on the proposed improvements in 2024, Paul Johnson – a teacher at Future Public School and a father who bikes with his children around Garden City – said the need for a safer crossing was clear.

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RELATED | Have concerns about the proposed Chinden crossing? So does Garden City Police

“There are so many kids who come to this section of Garden City. There are two schools here, there’s the Boys and Girls Club and there are so many kids that live adjacent to Chinden,” Johnson said.

ACHD officials say concerns raised by families and community members helped push the project forward.

Construction is expected to begin later this spring on a pedestrian hybrid beacon, or PHB – a type of signal designed to stop traffic and provide a protected crossing for pedestrians and cyclists.

“We’re going to be putting in a pedestrian hybrid beacon, which is a PHB, which will allow safe travel for our pedestrians and bicyclists across this busy intersection,” Converse said.

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ACHD says construction is expected to start at the end of March and wrap up around July. The roadway will remain open during construction, though drivers should expect lane restrictions and possible delays.





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