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‘Opportunity to heal’: Idaho National Guard Brigade gathers, reflects on time in Iraq

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‘Opportunity to heal’: Idaho National Guard Brigade gathers, reflects on time in Iraq


Dean Hagerman remembers a rocket landing right outside a building he was in just a few days after having arrived in Iraq in early December 2004.

Hagerman was one of the people who were mobilized in May that year as part of the Idaho National Guard’s 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team (the largest deployment of Idaho National Guard soldiers in state history, though other states are part of the team).

And this weekend in the Treasure Valley, brigade members are gathering to commemorate the mobilization, honor the fallen and celebrate the friendships forged.

“I’m not going to say it was hell, but it was rough and challenging. We bonded in that experience (of deployment).“

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The United States attacked Iraq in March 2003 in part because of then-President George W. Bush’s false assertion that the Middle Eastern country had weapons of mass destruction, according to Encyclopedia Britannica.

Hagerman said their mission was to provide stability and encourage democracy.

This weekend’s events started Friday and will continue until Sunday. Former Governor Dirk Kempthorne spoke to former brigade members on Saturday.

During the weekend, people will remember soldiers such as Carrie French, from Caldwell, who died at age 19 in 2005 in Iraq.

Former Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne speaks Saturday in Boise at the 20 year reunion of the Idaho National Guard 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team Operation Iraqi Freedom deployment.

Former Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne speaks Saturday in Boise at the 20 year reunion of the Idaho National Guard 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team Operation Iraqi Freedom deployment.

“It’s an opportunity to heal,” Hagerman said. “The remembrance ceremonies are a more somber event, but the rest of it, it’s meant to be a party, to enjoy each other’s company, catch up on what’s going on with people’s lives.”

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Fire damages sheds, power lines near W. Idaho Ave in Ontario

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Fire damages sheds, power lines near W. Idaho Ave in Ontario


ONTARIO, Oregon — A fire in a lot near W. Idaho Ave and South Oregon Street in Ontario has visibly damaged sheds and power lines.

Idaho News 6 arrived at the scene Sunday morning at around 12 p.m., finding nearby sheds across a fence line scorched, but standing. Power lines appeared to be damaged in the blaze.

No fire, police, or EMS were still on scene, and there were no surrounding road closures.

Idaho News 6 has reached out to officials and is awaiting additional information.

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Volunteers camp out to take part in the Succor Creek Clean-Up in the Owyhees

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Volunteers camp out to take part in the Succor Creek Clean-Up in the Owyhees


ADRIAN, Oregon — The Friends of the Owyhee organized a clean-up in Malheur County in Oregon, and volunteers came out to pick up trash and get rid of abandoned campers.

“We had two abandoned RV’S and a camper that were abandoned out on public lands,” said Tim Davis, who runs the Friends of the Owyhee. “They were sitting there for upwards of a year, and it is really clear that it is hard to get rid of these.”

WATCH| Check out the video to see volunteers demolish a camper—

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Volunteers camp out for the Succor Creek Clean-Up in the Owyhees

Davis worked with the local sheriff’s office and the BLM to remove the campers, but he found it difficult because there was no place to take these recreational vehicles. The Gambler 500, an off-road group, brought out some people to demolish a camper with an excavator.

“That is awesome to see the turnout with the army of volunteers we have today,” said Brian Arndt of the Gambler 500 group. “We are going to be able to get the camper all in the dumpster, get it cleaned down to the frame, and then everything that can be recycled will be recycled.”

Volunteers camped out on Succor Creek Road on Friday night so they could get an early start on Saturday. Many volunteers will camp out again on Saturday night and finish the clean-up on Sunday.

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“Malheur is the 12th largest county in the United States, and it’s 74 percent public land,” said Davis. “We have very few resources with the BLM; they are understaffed, they have one rec planner right now, so us, as public land owners, should be able to step up and keep this place clean.”

The campsite on Succor Creek Road

Lela Blizzard works as the lone recreational planner for the Vail District of the BLM, who says most sites have signs that say pack it in and pack it out. She says the BLM really needs the cooperation of the public because of how large it is, and she was happy to see how many volunteers showed up.

“I just want to tell them thank you because I know they are taking time out of their weekend to come out here to help us make sure the land continues to look nice for everyone who comes out to enjoy it,” said Blizzard.

Volunteers covered a lot of ground during this event

Griz Ward is one of the volunteers, and he enjoyed camping out, but he also would like to see people pick up after themselves. When it comes to outdoor recreation, it is so important to be part of the solution and not part of the problem.

“If you come out here and play in the area, be respectful,” said Ward. “Pack it in and pack it out, leave no trace and do the right thing, or frankly, stay home.”

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The Succor Creek Clean-Up also received a lot of support from the Treasure Valley, as they got donations from the Ontario Sanitation Service with the dumpsters, Tates Rents with the excavator, and United with porta-potties for the campsite.

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No Kings movement brings statewide protests to Idaho this weekend

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No Kings movement brings statewide protests to Idaho this weekend


IDAHO — ‘No Kings 3’ protests will take place throughout Idaho on March 28, including in Boise and Twin Falls.

According to the Idaho 50501 Facebook page, there will be speakers & musicians playing at protests across the Treasure Valley.

Protests will take place in Boise, Caldwell, Nampa, Mountain Home, Twin Falls, and other Idaho cities.

NoKings.org

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On March 28, Neighborhood Reporters Allie Triepke & Lorien Nettleton will bring coverage of the Boise & Twin Falls protests on Idaho News 6 at 10.





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