Story Headlines for September 27, 2012
(Not all articles are listed. Read front page news by clicking on the link in the lower left column.)
These are NOT the paid access links. Click on the link near the top of the page to view the entire newspaper.
READ THE FRONT PAGE FREE OF CHARGE by clicking on the link in the left column, beneath How's The Weather.

• "You have to have a sense of humor," says Lon Blades
  Know anyone, from around here, who lived in a tent with their wife and three kids while they built their house? Well, now you do. Lon Blades said he and his wife, Lin, did just that for a couple of seasons (winter not included) as they built their family’s future home on Upper Fords Creek – above Orofino. Lon, originally from the Oklahoma panhandle, lived in Horseshoe Bend for eight years before moving Lin, sons Levi, Lance, and daughter LeLoni to Idaho’s panhandle. Lon met Lin at a Nazarene church, and they married in 1971. Even though she was from the big city of Nampa, “She has a pioneer heart,” he said. She heated their water and cooked on a wood stove until they got better facilities. Lon started out, in 1981, as a substitute driver for the school district. The next year he got a regular route on Upper Fords Creek. The third year, he went to the Timberline schools as a bus driver, where he also served as the mechanic and supervisor. He was there for 12 years. “It was very scenic, definitely” he laughingly said of the area that would seem very remote to Boise people. In the fall of 1995 he was transferred back to Orofino to become the district supervisor. To read the rest of this article, please subscribe. If you already subscribe, log in and read page 3B.

• From one pound to 20, Hayden Pratt turns two
  Hayden Colt Pratt, an Orofino boy born prematurely at one pound, 11 oz.., will be celebrating his second birthday next week. His mother, Beth Pratt came in to give an update on this special little boy. Hayden was expected on Jan. 11, 2011 but put in a surprise visit, much to everyone’s consternation, on Oct. 1, 2010. The baby’s progress had been checked, via an ultra sound test, two weeks previously, and everything appeared right on course. Without ever going into active labor, Beth delivered the little guy at home, however. Beth’s mother (Abbey Walker) wrapped him in a blanket and put him in Beth’s arms, and they were rushed to the hospital. To read the rest of this article, please subscribe. If you already subscribe, log in and read page 3A.

• Pierce All School Reunion planned for Aug. 2-3, 2013
  Welcome home Pierce “kids.” Our next All School Reunion will be held in Pierce “America” on Aug. 2-3, the first weekend of August, 2013. I am in the process of contacting all those that I have email addresses and phone number for. Please help contact those you know might want to attend. Plan your vacation now. We are looking forward to a great turnout. If you have any questions, call Chris Wolfe-Anderson 208 435-4224 or email me chris14@myfrontiermail.com. To read the rest of this article, please subscribe. If you already subscribe, log in and read page 2A.

• Sept. 17 School Board meeting
  Food Service reports the breakfast program has a daily participation of 90.1 percent; lunch is at 58.03 percent. Technology reports: the completion of the 7th grade lab at OHS. Mr. Vian wants a technology person to work during the month of July so the summer months can be used to make computer labs more efficient. Special Education reports; Dr. Raines has found several areas where the district needs to become compliant with requirements. To read the rest of this article, please subscribe. If you already subscribe, log in and read page 3B.

• Maniacs smoke Badgers 36 – 14
  The Orofino Maniacs were happy to travel out of the smoke-filled valleys of North Central Idaho where at least six other games had to be cancelled or re-scheduled because of the unhealthy air conditions. The last thing the Maniacs wanted was to have to sit out another week. (Clarkston JV failed to show last Thursday for a game scheduled at Orofino.) “The kids have had six weeks of practice and only played two games. Hopefully they are hungry to hit someone,” said Maniac head coach, Galen Kuykendall before boarding the bus to Bonners Ferry. To read the rest of this article, pleasee subscribee. If you already subscribe, log in and read page 7A.

• Distinguished Young Woman of Orofino participating in statewide program
  Orofino’s Distinguished Young Woman, Devonee Perrin, will be participating in the Distinguished Young Women of Idaho Program in Idaho Falls next week, Oct. 4-6. The theme for this year’s program is “Beautiful” and Devonee will be just one of the 36 Idaho’s DYW participants. They will be competing for scholarship money and a chance to represent Idaho in the America’s Distinguished Young Women program held in Mobile, Alabama next June. To read the rest of this article, pleasee subscribee. If you already subscribe, log in and read page 10B.

• Hernandez graduates from basic training
  Air Force Airman Chanel Hernandez graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. To read the rest of this article, pleaseTo read the rest of this article, please subscribe. If you already subscribe, log in and read page 4B.

• School District news
  The Timberline community has been working to raise funds for a Play Shed for the elementary students. Projected cost is in the $12,000 range. The Play Shed will be 60 foot by 30 foot and 16 foot high at the rafters. The sides will drop down from the top, but be open eight feet up from the floor for visual safety. This play shed will allow Timberline students to get under cover during the days of snow and rain at Timberline. Gradi Thomas has led the fund raising effort for the play shed. Carl Stemrich, 4Stems Custom Builders, has volunteered to do the actual construction. Barlow Truss has stepped up with a big discount for the trusses. Empire Lumber has donated the lumber needed for the project. The Pierce-Weippe Chamber of Commerce donated $500. The fund raising efforts are nearing $10,000. To read the rest of this article, please subscribe. If you already subscribe, log in and read page 4A.

• Second Chance Animal awarded grant for vehicle
  Second Chance Animal (SCA) was recently awarded a $21,000 grant for a vehicle upgrade. The 1989 Mini Van the group was using for transporting animals, dog houses, and pet food to their low-income clients was getting “a little old and tired,” as described by SCA Executive Director Georgia Martinell. SCA Treasurer, Danielle Hardy, spent hundreds of hours writing the grant and her hard work paid off. To read the rest of this article, please subscribe. If you already subscribe, log in and read page 2A.

• Letter to the Editor: Marlowe and Vickie Jorgenson
  We would like to thank the Army Corps of Engineers for moving forward with the nutrient enhancement project at Dworshak Reservoir. There was a lot of controversy regarding this project and lots of scare tactics used. We were on the lake probably three weeks throughout the summer. We camped, fished and swam during those outings. During this time we did not encounter any swimmers itch even after a three day outing with our grandson, nor did we find any of the blue green algae. Negative publicity can really impact our local economy as fishing is a huge draw to the area. To read the rest of this article, please subscribe. If you already subscribe, log in and read page 4A.

• Letter to the Editor: Barbara-Lee Jordan
  We moved to Lenore just over a year ago from the “big city” of Meridian. We retired here to enjoy the slower pace and outdoor activities. I was a bit concerned over what to do during the winter as we aren’t cold-weather buffs. So, you can imagine my delight to see an ad and article for the Community Concert series in your newspaper. Being avid music fans, we’ve enjoyed a large variety of entertainment in the Treasure Valley. We love live music and listen to music from country to philharmonic. We didn’t know there’d be a non-profit organization specifically oriented to bringing high-quality live entertainment to Clearwater County. To read the rest of this article, please subscribe. If you already subscribe, log in and read page 4B.

• Down Memory Lane
  60 Years Ago - “Buyers Bid Lustily for Logs & Lumber,” announced a front page headline about the spirited bidding at the log auction held Saturday at the fair. The prize load of logs, furnished by O-Mill of the White Pine Lumber Company, went to Joe Richardson of Riverside Lumber Company at $142.50 per thousand. 30 Years Ago - Kathi Simeone, 17, of Elk River was chosen as a candidate for Idaho Junior Miss, to be held in Moscow. Kathi, the daughter of Herb and Mary Simeone, was sponsored by the Syringa Club. Kathi attended Elk River High School, where she had been Student Body President, National Honor Society President, Homecoming Queen, a varsity cheerleader, Senior Class President, won the most inspirational player award for basketball, was track team captain, won first place in a regional science fair, and second place in the VFW Voice of Democracy contest. To read the rest of this article, please subscribe. If you already subscribe, log in and read page 3B.

• Firefighters in vehicle accident
  At approximately 6:25 p.m. Monday, Sept. 24, a single vehicle rollover accident occurred on Forest Road 2007, south of Chair Point Lookout near Riggins. Two firefighters were on board, who extracted themselves from the vehicle after the rollover. The firefighters are members of the Little Tujunga Hot Shots, Angeles National Forest, based in San Fernando, CA. To read the rest of this article, please subscribe. If you already subscribe, log in and read page 4B.

• Idaho Public Health districts unveil statewide network of care for public health
  Idaho will soon become the first state to adopt the Network of Care for Public Health statewide. Idaho’s Public Health Districts are funding this community-based Web portal program, which is a resource for individuals, families and agencies concerned with community health. The Network of Care program will provide Idaho’s public health leaders, policy makers, and stakeholders with the best possible information to make decisions to improve the quality of health for the state’s residents. The site features science based health education provided by “Healthwise,” direct links to state and federal lawmakers, health data which includes county indicators as well as indicators from the national County Health Rankings and Healthy People 2020 goals. To read the rest of this article, please subscribe. If you already subscribe, log in and read page 9B.

• Fraser news
  The Fraser Community Center has had another upgrade. The old windows have been replaced by new vinyl ones. If you weren’t familiar with the original ones, which were in very bad shape, you wouldn’t know they are new. They even have screens so they can be opened to allow air to flow through the building without opening the doors. The photo taken in 1974 came from the archives of the Fraser Grange 367 that disbanded in March 2008. In the photo, two of the original windows on the east side of the building were boarded up and there was an enclosure over the front door. Notice that the original door was in the center of the south facing side of the building. The old pictures of the Fraser School show there were two windows on each side of that door and a shed roof shelter over that door. When the Fraser Grange added on the kitchen, they moved the door to the right side and added a window above the kitchen sink. To read the rest of this article, please subscribe. If you already subscribe, log in and read page 3B.

• Pierce news
  Gather all of those unused items in your closets and put them out in your yard on October 13 - this is the date for the Gem Team Community Yard Sale. This Pierce event will be the kickoff for the new Pierce Self-Guided Tour project. This should be a win-win fun day; your unneeded items being sold, and donations brought in to fund the new project. If you wish to have your yard sale address published on the Gem’s flyer, please call Kathy at 464-1083 before Friday, Oct. 5. Cans will be given out to participating families to place next to their cash boxes. This is on a volunteer donation basis, and we thank in advance all who contribute. To read the rest of this article, please subscribe. If you already subscribe, log in and read page 9A.

• Happenings on the Hilltop
  Sid Brown’s 50th class reunion was Sept. 8 at Placerville, CA. While Sid and Christine were in California they also visited his two daughters, Amy and Emily and grandsons Colby and Calvin. On Sept. 9 they attended the El Dorado High School Alumni picnic. Christine Brown, whose birthday was Sept. 22, had a special birthday present. She said, “I was pleasantly surprised with a trip to Walla Walla for wine tasting. My daughter Brenda Sangster and Sid set up this surprise. When we arrived at the hotel, there was a stretch limo waiting for us. We toured five wineries, had a nice dinner, spent the night and came home yesterday. We don’t discuss how old I turned on Saturday!” Dave Thomas was admitted to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center Friday. It is anticipated he will return home Tuesday. To read the rest of this article, please subscribe. If you already subscribe, log in and read page 10B.

• Sportsmen's Report for September 27
  Idaho Fish and Game will be offering four wolf trapper classes this fall the Clearwater Region. Attendance at an Idaho Department of Fish and Game wolf trapper education class is required for those wishing to trap wolves in Idaho. The eight-hour class provides students with interactive, hands-on training from experienced, certified trapper instructors.

Online Archives

Last Week's Weather