The Payette National Forest invites the public to celebrate Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 28 at the McCall Smokejumper Base’s south lawn at 605 N. Mission St. Parking will be available at the Riverfront Park large gravel lot below Mission Street.

Smokey Bear has been an icon in promoting forest fire safety with his tagline “only you can prevent wildfires.” This celebration is to honor his legacy as the face of America’s longest-running public service campaign for over eight decades, according to a press release from Payette National Forest. 

Activities include:

• Children touring fire engines and playing “pin the bucket and shovel on the campfire”
• Singing “Happy Birthday” to Smokey Bear
• A local library reading “The True Story of Smokey Bear” 
• Raffles with Smokey Bear Prizes
• Various fire organizations collaborating to promote fire safety 

The event is a collaboration with the McCall Fire Department, Valley County Fire Wise, Southern Idaho Timber Protective Association, Idaho Department of Lands, the Wildland Firefighter Foundation and the Donnelly Library. 

More than 300 firefighters continued to fight the Bench Lake Fire burning in Idaho’s Sawtooth National Forest, achieving 8% containment on Friday as the fire grew to more than 2,000 acres, fire officials said. 

The fire started July 11 and is burning near Redfish Lake and the iconic Redfish Lake Lodge near the town of Stanley. 

Crews have used pumps and hoses to water Redfish Lake Lodge and other structures in the area, according to the Great Basin team four public information office’s interagency InciWeb report on the fire.  

Sawtooth National Recreation Area officials have issued emergency closures for the Redfish Lake Recreation Complex, including the lodge, trails, campgrounds and roads in the vicinity. 

In an update posted Friday morning, fire officials said the firefighters’ efforts were paying off. Altogether, 346 firefighters, six helicopters, 14 engines and two scooper planes were fighting the Bench Lake Fire.

“Structure protection efforts at Redfish Lake Lodge and adjacent facilities are proving successful,” the Great Basin team four public information office wrote. “Pumps and hoses continue to spray water increasing the relative humidity, making it harder for any fire embers to ignite adjacent fuels. Crews near upper Bench Lakes have made substantial progress building containment lines in the extremely rugged terrain.”

The Times-News reported on Wednesday that it may take a major rain storm or snowfall to completely put out the fire. That’s according to Sawtooth National Recreation Area Ranger Kirk Flannigan, who addressed the impacts of the fire in front of almost 200 people gathered at a town hall meeting in Stanley, according to the Times News.

The cause of the Bench Lake Fire remained under investigation as of Friday. Once again this year, more Idaho fires have been caused by people than lighting, according to the Idaho Department of Lands fire division.

Crews fighting the Texas Fire that is burning east of Kendrick in Latah County reported achieving 10% containment of the fire, fire officials said Friday morning. 

The human-caused fire started July 15. As of Friday morning, 175 firefighters were fighting the Texas Fire, according to a news release issued Friday by the Idaho Department of Lands. 

On Wednesday, the Lewiston Tribune reported that four structures have burned in the fire and others have been threatened since the fire ignited. 

As of early Friday afternoon, Level 3 evacuation status was still in effect for the Cedar Creek Canyon Area. For the latest evacuation statues for the Texas Fire, visit the Latah County Sheriff’s Office’s Facebook page.

Target Eliminates Checks as Acceptable Payment Method

In a move that signals the continuing shift towards digital transactions, retail giant Target has announced that it will no longer accept checks as a form of payment for goods. This decision, which takes effect immediately, marks a significant change in how customers can complete their purchases at one of the nation’s largest retail chains.

Digital and Card Payments Only

Target’s decision to eliminate checks is part of a broader trend in the retail industry to streamline payment processes and enhance security. Customers will still have a variety of payment options, including credit and debit cards, mobile payment platforms such as Apple Pay and Google Wallet, and Target’s own RedCard.

“We are committed to providing a seamless and secure shopping experience for our customers,” a Target spokesperson said. “The move away from checks is intended to reduce fraud and speed up the checkout process”

Impact on Idaho Shoppers

For Idaho shoppers, this change may come as a surprise, especially for those who have relied on checks for their transactions. While checks have been a staple payment method for decades, their usage has been steadily declining as more consumers turn to digital and card-based payments. According to a recent survey, over 80% of transactions in the U.S. are now conducted without cash or checks.

Adapting to the Change

For those who are accustomed to using checks, Target recommends exploring the various digital payment options available. The retailer has ensured that its staff is ready to assist customers in understanding and transitioning to these new methods.

“We understand that this is a significant change for some of our customers,” the Target spokesperson added. “Our team is here to help make this transition as smooth as possible”

Looking Ahead

As the retail landscape continues to evolve, more stores may follow Target’s lead in moving away from traditional payment methods like checks. This shift is not only about enhancing convenience but also about ensuring greater security for both retailers and consumers.

Idaho shoppers can stay informed about these changes and prepare by exploring digital wallets and other electronic payment systems. For those who need assistance, local banks and financial institutions often provide resources and support to help consumers adapt to these modern payment solutions.

For more information on Target’s new payment policy and how it may affect your shopping experience, visit the official Target website or speak with a representative at your local store.