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Idaho Lawmaker Wants Children to Work for Those Free Lunches

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Idaho Lawmaker Wants Children to Work for Those Free Lunches


Idaho state Rep. Ron Mendive thinks his state’s faculty youngsters ought to must sweat for his or her pizza squares and rooster nuggets.

“If we might discover a manner for the scholars to work to earn credit for his or her faculty lunch, I don’t suppose we’d see any of the waste we do in that program as a result of it doesn’t imply a lot,” he stated throughout an training committee assembly on Tuesday.

Mendive didn’t say whether or not he envisioned first graders sweeping flooring or wiping down tables to pay for meals. He additionally didn’t point out how he would get round Idaho baby labor legal guidelines, which say kids have to be not less than 14 for non-agricultural work. The legislation is meant to be enforced by native faculty boards in addition to by probation officers.

However as somebody with a one hundred pc score from the American Conservative Union Basis, Mendive is just not a person constrained by motive. He has additionally declared that should you assist abortion rights, which means you additionally assist prostitution—as each are “a girl’s alternative.” He contended that it’s ”a double customary” to say in any other case.

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“Prostitution is a alternative, extra so than an abortion could be,” he added. “Nobody is pressured into that.”

In terms of COVID, Mendive has deemed hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin to be superior to the jab. He invokes the Almighty when opposing vaccine mandates.

“Your private relationship to the God of creation is just not one thing all people else ought to be capable of inquire about,” he stated.

As a member of the training committee, Mendive was occasion to a profitable effort to strip local weather change from the curriculums in Idaho colleges. He additionally joined like-minded legislators in opposing a $6 million federal early training grant supposed for working dad and mom with kids aged 5 and underneath. Mendive and his fellow loonies contended that the grant’s actual intent was to indoctrinate preschoolers with vital race idea.

Mendive has now outdone himself by proposing youngsters work with a purpose to eat in school. He didn’t reply to messages at his workplace within the Capitol and at his Coeur d’Alene residence looking for clarification. He apparently believes that with somewhat pre-lunch drudgery on high of their research, children are going to inform themselves, “I needed to work for this sloppy Joe!”

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Again in the summertime of 2017, a 6-year-old constituent named Amiah Van Hill within the Coeur d’Alene College District determined that she would work to pay for different youngsters’ meals. Amiah’s mom, Rachel Van Hill, had learn to her a information story a couple of Seattle man who had raised cash to pay the varsity lunch money owed of kids in his space.

“She’s like, ‘That’s superb, I want I might try this for youths and their lunches at my faculty…What can I do to boost cash?’” the mom recalled.

Amiah Van Hill at her “Lemonade for Lunch” stand.

Courtesy of Van Hill Household

Amiah answered her personal query by establishing a lemonade stand outdoors her residence with an indication that learn “LEMONADE 4 LUNCH.” She tapped right into a decency that fortunately coexists with the likes of Mendive.

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She stored at it and by fall she had raised $23,000. She started the primary grade having demonstrated true American greatness.

“She was pushed by ensuring each child will get breakfast and lunch,” her mom stated. “She actually needs to assist.”

Amiah Van Hill at her “Lemonade for Lunch” stand.

Courtesy of Van Hill Household

When the pandemic hit, the federal authorities started paying for all faculty breakfasts and lunches. That ended final yr, however the meals are nonetheless free within the The Coeur d’Alene College District for youths from a single family with an earnings of $17,667 or much less. These from a single family with an earnings of $25,142 or much less qualify for a lowered value. In any other case, elementary faculty youngsters pay $1.90 for breakfast and $3.15 for lunch. Center faculty and highschool youngsters pay $3.50 for lunch and $2.10 for breakfast. Cost is organized by way of the dad and mom. The varsity is cautious to not sign within the cafeteria which college students are paying and which aren’t.

“No stigma,” Ed Ducar, the director of vitamin providers, informed The Day by day Beast. “We don’t need to placed on stamps or stickers. Simply allow them to undergo the road they usually’re youngsters. And that’s a very good factor.”

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Amiah Van Hill with the proceeds from her “Lemonade for Lunch” stand.

Courtesy of Van Hill Household

The Coeur d’Alene state consultant, Mendive, want to put the youngsters in his district—and in all places else in Idaho—to work with a purpose to eat in school.

However a constituent who’s now 12 has one other manner.

“She needs to do larger and higher issues with LEMONADE 4 LUNCH,” Amiah’s mom stated on Wednesday. “She needs to encourage different youngsters.”



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Idaho Falls Public Library to host Extreme Book Nerd challenge this year – East Idaho News

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Idaho Falls Public Library to host Extreme Book Nerd challenge this year – East Idaho News


The following is a news release from the city of Idaho Falls.

IDAHO FALLS — The Idaho Falls Public Library is kicking off its 11th year of its Extreme Book Nerd program Tuesday night from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Those interested can come to the library during the kickoff event to get sneak peek of this year’s reading categories. Wednesday morning the Extreme Book Nerd challenge begins where participants are tasked with reading 25 to 50 books between Jan. 8 and Dec. 20, 2025, with the number of books dependent on the participants’ age. Idaho Falls and community must have a valid library membership to participate.

“Extreme Book Nerd is a fun way to explore the world through reading this year,” said Beth Swenson, Idaho Falls Public Library assistant director over community engagement. “You don’t have to be an expert reader to gain a love of picking up a book and plus it’s a great way to challenge yourself over the year.”

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The library began the Extreme Book Nerd program in 2015 to encourage our patrons to read and use their library. Since its conception the program has expanded to several challenges to reach the abilities of readers of varying ages.

  • Extreme Book Nerd: This program is for adults. There are 50 categories that staff have designated for this year. Patrons read one book per category, and one category per book.
  • Extreme Book Nerd – Teens: Teens (ages 12-17) are given 26 categories to choose from, but are only required to read 25 books.
  • Extreme Book Nerd for Kids!: Kids must be independent readers. They are also given 26 categories and choose 25 of them.
  • Extreme Book Nerd Your Way: There are variations of this program for each age group (kids, teens, adults). Patrons read 50 books of their choosing.

Adults and teens who complete the Extreme Book Nerd program in 2025 will receive a hoodie with the Extreme Book Nerd Logo. Kids who are independent readers who finish the challenge will receive a fuzzy blanket, also with an Extreme Book Nerd logo.

While official participation in the Extreme Book Nerd challenge is restricted to Idaho Falls Public Library patrons only, everyone is welcome to follow along with the challenge in their home communities and discuss the books they are reading. Need a library membership? Visit the IFPL website HERE for more information on how to obtain one.

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U.S. Forest Service approves Stibnite Gold Mine in Central Idaho • Idaho Capital Sun

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U.S. Forest Service approves Stibnite Gold Mine in Central Idaho • Idaho Capital Sun


The U.S. Forest Service has issued a final record of decision approving the Stibnite Gold Mine Project in Central Idaho’s Payette National Forest, green-lighting what could become one of the largest gold mines in the United States.

A company called Perpetua Resources – formerly known as Midas Gold – seeks to resume mining gold, silver and the chemical element antimony at the Stibnite Gold Mine. Mining at the site dates back to 1899 and the Thunder Mountain Gold Rush. Metals mined at Stibnite contributed to the World War II effort.

But by 1992 mining had ceased and Stibnite’s open pit mine was abandoned, polluting the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River with arsenic and sediment, the Idaho Capital Sun previously reported. 

Perpetua Resources says Stibnite is still loaded with gold and an element called antimony. The company has promised to clean up some of the historic mine waste, reprocess and safely store historic mine tailings and restore some waterways and fish habitat.

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In a statement released Monday, Perpetua Resources welcomed approval of the mine. The company highlighted the jobs it will create and promoted the mining of antimony, a chemical element found in minerals that Perpetua Resources said can be used to make ammunition and liquid metal batteries.

Perpetua Resources officials said approving Stibnite Gold Mine unlocks one of the largest domestic supplies of antimony, which the company said China is restricting exports of.

“We are thrilled to receive our final record of decision from the Forest Service,” Jon Cherry, president and CEO of Perpetua Resources, said in a written statement. “This approval elevates the Stibnite Gold Project to an elite class of projects in America that have cleared NEPA (the National Environmental Policy Act). The Stibnite Gold Project can deliver decisive wins for our communities, the environment, the economy and our national security.”

Perpetua Resources officials said the permitting process has taken eight years.

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Conservationists, Nez Perce Tribe say mine will do more harm to Idaho public lands, endangered salmon

Conservation groups, including the Idaho Conservation League, and the Nez Perce Tribe opposed Stibnite’s approval, saying resuming mining will disturb a much larger area of forest than the previous operation and could threaten habitat of endangered salmon.

Stibnite Gold Mine is located in Valley County near the tiny town of Yellow Pine, just outside the boundary of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. The Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness is the largest contiguous wilderness area in the lower 48. The rugged wilderness area is home to prominent mountains, whitewater rivers, deep canyons and a diverse species of plants and animals including wolves, bears, beavers, endangered wolverines, and endangered salmon.

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Opponents said Stibnite and Perpetua Resources are not doing enough to protect salmon and the environment. 

“The Stibnite Gold Project is the equivalent of high-risk, open heart surgery for the East Fork South Fork Salmon River, and the watershed will be worse off as a result, not better,” John Robison, Idaho Conservation League’s public lands and wildlife director, said in a written statement. “We are deeply disappointed that the Forest Service dismissed our suggestions to correct significant flaws in the project. Even the Forest Service’s own analysis states that doing nothing is better for the environment than building the Stibnite Gold Project.”

In September, the U.S. Forest Service issued a draft approval to resume mining at Stibnite, the Idaho Capital Sun previously reported.

Idaho’s Republican congressional delegation supports Stibnite Gold Mine approval

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All four members of Idaho’s congressional delegation – U.S. Sens. Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, and U.S. Reps. Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher – issued a written statement applauding the mine’s approval. In their statement, the Republican congressman highlighted mining for antimony.

“For too long, we have let China hold the cards when it comes to critical mineral production.  This Record of Decision is a vital first step in advancing the production of American antimony and strengthening our national defense,” Crapo, Fulcher, Risch and Simpson said in a joint written statement issued Monday. “Still, we must significantly reform the permitting processes to effectively compete with China and fully leverage the resources in our backyard.”

Officials with the Idaho Conservation League said antimony is an important resource, but said gold is really the focus of the Stibnite Gold Mine and would generate 94% of the project’s profits. 

“Let’s be clear — this is a taxpayer financed gold mine,” Robison said. “Perpetua never offered and the Forest Service never analyzed a targeted antimony mining proposal that would entail much less surface disturbance, mine waste and overall impact. What’s more, having a small percent of antimony in a gold project should not give anyone a pass for a project that could end up doing immeasurable harm.”

In a news release issued Monday, the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality announced it is releasing an Idaho Pollutant Discharge Elimination Systems, or IPEDS, preliminary draft permit to Perpetua Resources. Following the review, officials with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality said they will post the draft permit along with any revisions to the department’s website for public review.

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Idaho Trust to Acquire Trust and Wealth Management Division of Bank of Idaho

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Idaho Trust to Acquire Trust and Wealth Management Division of Bank of Idaho


BOISE, Idaho, January 07, 2025–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Idaho Trust Company, a leading provider of trust and wealth management services in Idaho, is pleased to announce its agreement to acquire the Trust and Wealth Management Division of Bank of Idaho. This acquisition is a strategic decision to add experienced professionals, expand Idaho Trust into eastern Idaho and provide a depth of offerings to existing and new clients.

The acquisition expands Idaho Trust’s footprint in the trust and wealth management space and complements its specialized services. Aligning with the organization’s growth strategy and commitment to delivering custom trust and wealth management services to individuals, families, and businesses, the acquisition ensures Bank of Idaho Trust and Wealth Management clients will benefit from expanded service offerings, ensuring a seamless transition, and wider array of financial solutions.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Idaho Trust to broaden our reach and serve a new group of clients with the same dedication to excellence that has defined our organization,” said Thomas Prohaska, Chairman and President of Idaho Trust Company. “We are honored to welcome the new team and their clients into our family and are committed to providing them with tailored solutions, enhanced resources, and the personalized service they are accustomed to.”

This strategic move allows Bank of Idaho to focus on its core business of commercial and personal banking, ensuring continued excellence in serving its communities across Idaho and Washington. Bank of Idaho emphasized its commitment to the well-being of its clients throughout the acquisition and transition process.

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“Our priority has always been to provide our customers with the best possible financial solutions,” said Jeff Newgard, Chairman, President and CEO of Bank of Idaho. “By transitioning our Trust and Wealth Management Division to Idaho Trust, we are confident our clients will benefit from an expanded suite of services and the exceptional expertise of a team widely recognized for their dedication to trust and wealth management. We deeply appreciate the trust our clients have placed in us and are committed to supporting them through this transition.”

The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025. Current Bank of Idaho clients will receive detailed information about the transition process in the coming weeks. Both Idaho Trust and Bank of Idaho are focused on ensuring a seamless transition and continued excellence in service.



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