Idaho
Filing period opens for Idaho legislative candidates – East Idaho News
BOISE (Idaho Capital Sun) — The filing period for candidates running for the Idaho Legislature and other elected offices opened Monday morning, kicking the 2024 campaign season up yet another notch in Idaho.
The filing period will remain open until 5 p.m. March 15. The forms necessary to run for office, as well as a list of candidates who have filed for office, is available on the new Vote Idaho website launched by the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office.
This year, all 105 seats in the Idaho Legislature are up for election.
In addition, Matt Loesby, a Libertarian Party candidate; Brendan Gomez, a Constitution Party candidate, and incumbent Republican Rep. Russ Fulcher, filed to run for the U.S. House of Representatives in Idaho’s 1st Congressional District.
In Idaho’s 2nd Congressional District, Republican incumbent Mike Simpson and Democrat David Roth filed to run.
The primary election is set for May 21, and the winners of the primary election will advance to the Nov. 5 general election.
Here are the legislative candidates who have filed to run in May 21 primary election, as of 5:17 p.m. Monday.
* Denotes incumbent
District 1
Senate
House Seat A: Democrat Karen Matthee, Sandpoint
House Seat B: Republican Chuck Lowman, Sandpoint; Democrat Kathryn Larson, Sagle
District 2
Senate: Democrat Tom Hearn, St. Maries
House Seat A: *Republican Heather Scott, Blanchard
House Seat B
District 3
Senate: *Republican Doug Okuniewicz, Hayden
House Seat A: *Republican Vito Barbieri, Dalton Gardens
House Seat B: *Republican Jordan Redman, Coeur d’Alene
District 4
Senate: *Ben Toews, Coeur d’Alene
House Seat A: *Republican Joe Alfieri, Coeur d’Alene;
House Seat B: *Republican Elaine Price, Coeur d’Alene; Democrat Paula Marano, Coeur d’Alene
District 5
Senate: *Republican Carl Bjerke, Coeur d’Alene
House Seat A: *Republican Ron Mendive, Coeur d’Alene
House Seat B: *Republican Tony Wisniewski, Post Falls
District 6
Senate: *Republican Dan Foreman, Viola; Democrat Julia Parker, Moscow
House Seat A
House Seat B: *Republican Brandon Mitchell, Moscow
District 7
Senate
House Seat A
House Seat B: Republican Larry Dunn, White Bird; *Republican Charlie Shepherd, Pollock
District 8
Senate: *Republican Geoff Schroeder, Mountain Home; Republican Christy Zito, Hammett
House Seat A: *Republican Matt Bundy, Mountain Home; Constitution Party Tony Ullrich, Hammett
House Seat B: Republican Faye Thompson, McCall
District 9
Senate
House Seat A: Republican John Shirts, Weiser
House Seat B
District 10
Senate
House Seat A: Democrat Nancy Parker, Caldwell
House Seat B: *Republican Bruce Skaug, Nampa
District 11
Senate: *Republican Chris Trakel, Caldwell
House Seat A: Republican Kent Marmon, Caldwell
House Seat B: Republican Sarah Chaney, Caldwell; Democrat Marisela Pesina, Caldwell
District 12
Senate: Republican Victor Rodriguez, Nampa
House Seat A: Republican Jeff Cornilles, Nampa
House Seat B
District 13
Senate
House Seat A:
House Seat B: *Republican Kenny Wroten, Nampa; Republican Amy Henry, Nampa
District 14
Senate: *Republican Scott Grow, Eagle
House Seat A: *Republican Ted Hill, Eagle; Democrat Crystal Ivie, Eagle
House Seat B: *Republican Josh Tanner, Eagle
District 15
Senate: *Democrat Rick Just, Boise; Republican Code Galloway, Boise
House Seat A: *Democrat Steve Berch, Boise; Republican Steve Keyser, Boise; Republican Annette Tipton, Boise
House Seat B *Republican Dori Healey, Boise
District 16
Senate: *Democrat Ali Rabe, Boise
House Seat A: *Democrat Soñia Galaviz, Boise
House Seat B: Democrat Wayne Richey, Boise
District 17
Senate: *Democrat Carrie Semmelroth, Boise
House Seat A: *Democrat John Gannon, Boise
House Seat B
District 18
Senate: *Democrat Janie Ward-Engelking, Boise; Republican Dan Bridges, Boise
House Seat A: *Democrat Ilana Rubel, Boise
House Seat B: *Democrat Brooke Green, Boise
District 19
Senate
House Seat A: Democrat Monica Church, Boise
House Seat B: *Democrat Chris Mathias, Boise
District 20
Senate: Republican Josh Keyser, Meridian
House Seat A
House Seat B: *Republican James Holtzclaw, Meridian
District 21
Senate
House Seat A: *Republican James Petzke, Meridian
House Seat B: *Republican Jeff Ehlers, Meridian; Constitution Party Daniel Weston, Meridian
District 22
Senate
House Seat A: Democrat Loren Petty, Boise
House Seat B: *Republican Jason Monks, Nampa
District 23
Senate: *Republican Todd Lakey, Nampa
House Seat A: *Republican Melissa Durrant, Kuna
House Seat B
District 24
Senate: Democrat Edward Easterling, Kimberly
House Seat A: *Republican Chenele Dixon, Kimberly; Republican Clint Hostetler, Twin Falls
House Seat B
District 25
Senate: *Republican Linda Wright Hartgen, Twin Falls
House Seat A
House Seat B: *Republican Gregory Lanting, Twin Falls; Republican David Leavitt, Twin Falls
District 26
Senate
House Seat A: *Democrat Ned Burns, Bellevue
House Seat B
District 27
Senate
House Seat A
House Seat B: *Republican Clay Handy, Burley; Republican Pat Field, Burley
District 28
Senate
House Seat A: *Republican Rick Cheatum, Pocatello
House Seat B: *Republican Dan Garner, Clifton
District 29
Senate: *Democrat James Ruchti, Pocatello
House Seat A: *Republican Dustin Manwaring, Pocatello
House Seat B
District 30
Senate: Democrat Karen Keith, Blackfoot
House Seat A: *Republican David Cannon, Blackfoot
House Seat B: *Republican Julianne Young, Blackfoot
District 31
Senate
House Seat A: *Republican Jerald Raymond, Menan
House Seat B: *Republican Rod Furniss, Rigby
District 32
Senate: *Republican Kevin Cook, Idaho Falls
House Seat A: *Republican Stephanie Mickelsen, Idaho Falls
House Seat B: *Republican Wendy Horman, Idaho Falls
District 33
Senate
House Seat A: *Republican Barbara Ehardt, Idaho Falls
House Seat B: *Republican Marco Erickson, Idaho Falls
District 34
Senate
House Seat A: *Republican Jon Weber, Rexburg
House Seat B: *Republican Britt Raybould, Rexburg
District 35
Senate
House Seat A
House Seat B: *Republican Josh Wheeler, Ammon
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Idaho
Delicious New Menu Item Expected To Hit Idaho Costcos Soon
There’s something special and timeless about the Costco food court.
Having a Costco Card doesn’t just mean you unlock your grocery shopping there but you now get to go to the best food court known to man: The Costco Foodcourt.
Everyone loves their great prices and great options. Whether you’ve wanted to get a pizza to share with your family or one of their beloved giant hot dogs everyone’s got a good reason to go to the Costco Foodcourt.
Costco has been adding a lot of new menu items recently including fun ice cream flavors. Now they have yet again added something new to their menu.
Idaho Costcos
Where to find Costcos in Idaho.
Gallery Credit: Shannon Buccola
Costco has added a new menu item that everyone is already going crazy for. In a new viral Instagram reel an influencer revealed that Costco food courts around the country would be adding chicken strips to their menu! This feels like the perfect addition to the already extremely popular Costco food court and we can already see everyone going crazy over this new menu item.
Credit: Instagram/costcohotfinds
As of right now it appears the chicken tenders are going to be 6.99 and include 5 chicken strips. They also seemingly have a new sauce that is going to be paired with these chicken strips and it looks delicious!
Credit: Instagram/costcohotfinds
You’ll have to check out all of the local Idaho Costcos for when these hit stores because they just look delicious!
Look at those chicken tenders:
Costco Foodcourt’s New Item
It’s a Caramel Brownie Sundae!!!
Gallery Credit: Shannon Buccola
Change Complete at Costco’s Food Courts
Who would have thought that an age old debate would bring out such a reaction in Costco shoppers!?
Gallery Credit: Mateo, 103.5 KISS FM
Idaho
This is How to Identify an Idaho Christian Nationalist
You’ve heard that our federal Constitution was made for a moral people. The line is attributed to the founding father and second President, John Adams. Notice he said “moral,” not “Christian.” One of my friends was a graduate of Liberty University, a prestigious Christian school. His mission in life was to evangelize, but he always cautioned his listeners that our founders spoke of a Creator, and not Jesus. Some of our early leaders were devout Christians. Many of them were also womanizers, drinkers, and gave religion no more than lip service. They were people who wanted to be left alone, and if they practiced faith, it was personal, and they didn’t believe it was the government’s role to dictate morality.
They Mock Good People of Other Faiths
I’m reminded of a story about the 2024 Republican National Convention. Harmeet Dhillon, a rising star in the party, spoke. She referenced her Sikh faith, and someone in the crowd felt compelled to shout “Jesus is Lord!” Now, maybe a majority believes that, but are you sure He wants you to taunt good and moral people? Or would God prefer a gentler approach? For instance, you could pray for conversions.
Where does the Great Commission instruct you to be rude to people of good moral character?
Idaho’s Glenneda Zuiderveld was an alternate delegate, and when a seatmate said the man was rude, the state senator dismissed the argument. “We’re all going to be judged,” she said. What’s a Senator’s purpose in politics?
The Pot Calling the Kettle Black
A few days ago, a local church had a men-only event for candidates. A group of liberal women demonstrated outside. I don’t know why they can’t organize their own event instead, but apparently, they would rather be confrontational. They’ve accomplished nothing more than preening and making a claim that they’re more virtuous, but the church is within its rights to hold a men-only event. If you want a women’s only event, I’m not bothered. Let me add a caveat. Some of the men involved believe that it’s okay to berate members of the LDS Church as they enter the temple. I wouldn’t say screaming at someone that they’re going to hell is a sign of moral people. Again, if you think they’re wrong, then pray for them.
Some people wonder why they’re called Christian nationalists. Do we need to draw them some pictures?
Brad Little Through The Years
Gallery Credit: Kevin Miller
Idaho
Local non-profit fills Mother’s Day baskets for NICU moms across Idaho
KUNA — A sister-duo is filling baskets with blankets, snacks and handwritten notes to spread some extra love to moms spending Mother’s Day in the hospital with their newborns.
The effort is led by “Helping Hands for NICU Moms,” a nonprofit co-founded by sisters Tiffany and Alyssa Higbee. The organization was born from Alyssa’s own experience spending months in the NICU with her firstborn.
Alyssa’s son was initially in the NICU for about two weeks, then was put back in for about 3.5 months. During that time, several holidays passed, making it especially hard as a first-time mom.
“There was people in companies who would bring us stuff and try and cheer up your day, and it really helped, and so when my son was about 6 months old, we decided that it would be best to try and help moms in the NICU somehow,” Alyssa Higbee said.
That inspiration led the sisters to create Mother’s Day gift baskets filled with items to bring comfort and encouragement to moms facing the same journey.
WATCH: Learn more about “Helping Hands for NICU Moms”
Local non-profit fills Mother’s Day baskets for NICU moms across Idaho
The sisters have a 12-year age gap. Tiffany was fresh out of high school when they started the nonprofit in 2023, which meant she had more time to dedicate to the project. Alyssa noted that because of the age gap, they didn’t get to spend a lot of time together growing up, so the project has brought them closer.
“Hopefully, this can bring some hope that you can get out of it … that NICU period, that scary initial phase, it does get easier,” Alyssa Higbee said.
ALSO READ | Fragile beginnings to bright futures: NICU ‘Wall of Hope’ inspires families with stories of strength
Alyssa’s son, who was born in the NICU at St. Luke’s in Twin Falls, is now 3-years-old and healthy. Tiffany said watching her nephew go through the NICU was hard, but seeing him now — jumping, tackling her, and doing everything a little boy does — makes the work even more meaningful.
“It’s cool to see the difference because I know that some kids don’t make it to where he is when they’re in the NICU, and it’s just cool to see that he did,” Tiffany Higbee said.
This year’s baskets are packed with items donated by nearly 25 local companies — up from just 5 donors in the first year. The baskets include soaps from Wild Highland Soaps, claw clips, bibs, hair bows, chapsticks, socks, lotions, hand sanitizers, coloring books, colored pencils, snacks, minky blankets, and stuffed puppies from Scheels.
Gift cards and coupons are also included from Dutch Bros, Flying M Coffee, a pizza company, Wendy’s (free meal coupons for breakfast and lunch), Albertsons, and a $10 coupon to a baby store.
Tiffany started collecting donations for this year’s baskets as early as November of last year, spending a few hours every week for the past 6 to 8 months to prepare — reaching out to companies, picking up donations, and organizing everything.
The assembly process includes last-minute tasks like ironing vinyl onto bags, opening boxes, and putting together gift card envelopes before the full baskets are assembled and delivered.
“We start putting the bags together, making sure we have everything in there, and then we deliver them on Mother’s Day,” Alyssa Higbee said.
The baskets are delivered before noon on Mother’s Day to avoid missing moms who may be discharged after doctors do their rounds. Currently, the organization delivers to St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital in downtown Boise.
Tiffany said delivering the baskets is one of the most rewarding parts of the work.
“I love seeing the moms sometimes we get to watch them come out with their baskets, and they’ll be going through it, and they look really excited and happy,” Tiffany Higbee said.
“Seeing how happy they are or knowing how I cheered them up a little bit for their Mother’s Day because it’s a big holiday, it’s their first with that baby at least,” Tiffany Higbee said.
The first year, the project was funded mostly out of their own pockets. Three years later, as an official nonprofit, they said they no longer have to rely heavily on their own funds thanks to their new partnerships.
The organization accepts both monetary donations via Venmo and their website, as well as in-kind donations of physical items like soaps, claw clips, and other basket items — year-round.
The organization’s future goal is to expand to all the different NICUs in the area, and potentially the PICUs (Pediatric Intensive Care Units) as well, since that was also part of Alyssa’s experience.
To learn how you can donate or get involved with “Helping Hands for NICU Moms,” you can visit their website by clicking here.
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