IDAHO CITY, Idaho — 4 Lo Idaho Off-Road, Casey’s Smile, the Horseshoe Bend Chamber of Commerce and a number of different businesses came together to provide Boise County Search and Rescue with a new tool.

A build team took a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Loredo and turned it into an off-road recovery vehicle by installing a new engine, adding a four inch lift and putting on new tires.

“For better articulation on rocks on the hazardous roads of Boise County,” said Rowdy Berry, of 4 Lo Idaho Off-Road. “On the interior we have our remote light switch set up for all of the new lighting which is important for off-road missions.”

Rowdy also installed a special intake to help with river crossings, the Cherokee has a first aid kit and a lithium battery in the back for power. Rowdy actually had a Cherokee for his off-road vehicle when he worked as a sheriff deputy in Washington County.

“This is honestly a lot nicer then the one that I had, but I was honored and proud to be part of the build team that helped bring it to that level,” said Rowdy.

On Saturday, this vehicle was presented to the Boise County Search and Rescue team that was created two years ago and features volunteers who live in the area.

“This is a life saver,” said Greg Neubert, the president of the BCSAR. “This is a really capable vehicle that they built and it’s not bad looking either, they really did a phenomenal job.”

Boise County Sheriff Scott Turner has helped the BCSAR get equipment like snowmobiles and ATVs because if the BCSAR can help rescue people it means less work for the sheriff’s office who is stretched thin in this rural county.

“By enabling us to be able to take their place to do search and rescue operations, it frees them up to answer calls and be there for public safety,” said Neubert.

And now this new Jeep Cherokee has anchor points on both the rear and the front that also features a winch bumper featuring a front receiver. This new tool will make it easier for BCSAR to do their job as this volunteer organization has been using their own vehicles for towing.

“This is going to take a lot of work off our shoulders these are the kind of things that make our life easier,” said Neubert. “I just can’t thank them enough, we are in debt forever to these guys and we really appreciate what they have done for us today.”

Oregon State has opened as a 27½-point favorite over Idaho State for its 2024 season opener at 3:30 p.m. Saturday in Reser Stadium.

It’s the third consecutive year the Beavers have opened the season as a favorite.

Saturday marks the debut for Oregon State coach Trent Bray, who was promoted from defensive coordinator to head coach after Jonathan Smith left for Michigan State last November.

Just about all the fair food classics can be found at the North Idaho State Fair — but there’s only one spot to get a truly original elephant ear.  

Started by Leo Lee and two of his friends in 1974, this year marked The Original Elephant Ear’s 50th consecutive year at the fair — a family tradition that is now four generations strong and boasts the title of the longest-running booth at the fair.  

“I’ve helped out at the fair for as long as I can remember,” said Blair Davis, Lee’s grandson. He was heading operations at the booth on Saturday. While the family recipe for elephant ear dough has remained unchanged, Davis can recall many changes that have taken place at the fair over the years.  

“The fair’s gotten a lot bigger, for one thing,” Davis said. “We used to be in a trailer outside until we got moved into the food court. We’ve had 30, 40-minute lines over the years after rodeos.” 

The Original Elephant Ear has been family-owned and operated since Lee first introduced them to the North Idaho State Fair 50 years ago. Even the youngest members of the family help out by taking orders before eventually graduating to rolling out the dough or frying it up once they get a little older.  

“It’s just really fun every year,” said Jaylee Davis, Blair’s daughter. “Sometimes cousins come in to help that we don’t see for a while. It’s hard work and gets busy, but it’s really all worth it.”  

Blair mentioned another change that’s come to the fair in recent years — other booths have also begun selling elephant ears. “For a while, we were the only ones. We’re still the original,” he said, laughing. When tasting one, it’s easy to see why they’ve stood the test of time.

The fair concludes today.  

    Thatcher Lybbert mans the fryer in The Original Elephant Ears booth.
  

    Nathan Mayne shows off the finished product: a hot and fresh elephant ear dusted with cinnamon sugar.