My fellow Idahoans, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, as your Governor I have worked hard to protect lives and critical health care capacity for the entire state while keeping families safe and businesses and schools open.
Special Sections
The following are featured in this year’s special section:
The 2020 Idaho County Fair, held in Cottonwood Aug. 18-22, is in the books. Here are a few p…
Youth in Focus 2020.
We'll update this "situation report" in the morning, in the evening, and other times as we see as necessary each day, until COVID-19 becomes a thing of the past. Click through and read on: This is your local portal to the local news.
BOISE – Following a weeks-long decrease in statewide COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, Governor Brad Little announced today that he is instructing the State Board of Education to revise its high school athletic plan to allow more spectators at sporting events.
BOISE — The state’s agenda is full and lawmakers are engaged in the 66th regular session of the Idaho Legislature, which began Jan. 11. Speaking to their return, the session’s highlights and their own goals, Senator Carl Crabtree (R, Grangeville) and Rep. Priscilla Giddings (R, White Bird) s…
Identification of human remains discovered in late 2019 have yet to be identified, and information on status of the project is not immediately forthcoming.
While several agencies and counties across the United States have decided against a PIT (Point In Time) homeless count for 2021 due to COVID-19, Idaho will still participate, although it may be a bit different this year.
Two interns will be providing news coverage of the 2021 Idaho Legislative Session for print and online issues.
SLATE CREEK — Travelers on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests near Slate Creek should prepare for road closures and delays, associated with timber sale activity in the area.
University of Idaho Extension is offering: “Introduction to Small-Scale Grass-Fed Beef Production for the Rural Landowner,” on Thursday, Jan. 21, 6-8:30 p.m. The presentation is by Bill Warren and Jim Church, University of Idaho Extension.
The 2020 Census is over, and getting those numbers — specifically at the local level — took more work this go-round than 10 years prior.
KAMIAH — Each year, the Upriver Youth Leadership Council (UYLC) recognizes and honors members and partners for their contributions and commitment to our mission of empowering our youth and adults to build a healthier community. During the 2021 Upriver Youth Leadership Council Volunteer and P…
GRANGEVILLE — Embrace Grace will be held in Grangeville on Wednesday, Jan. 27, at 5:30 p.m., at the Grangeville Church of the Nazarene, 515 W. N. 2nd street. All young, unwed pregnant women are encouraged to join. Each meeting is a time of sharing and discussion with a video and a lesson. Di…
CLEARWATER — The Clearwater Grange is hosting a bazaar/yard sale on Sunday, Feb. 7 in Clearwater. This usually coincides with the annual Ground Hog Day Breakfast at the IOOF Hall in Clearwater; however, the Ground Hog Day Breakfast may be cancelled this year due to Covid restrictions. Watch …
KAMIAH — On Sunday, Jan. 24, the Kamiah Teen Center is hosting an escape room, The Lost Mummy, from 1-3 p.m. While it is a family event, any teen is also welcome. “As an explorer, you’ve always dreamed of adventuring through Egypt. It’s where your grandfather, Howard Carter, discovered the r…
The crowd for the girls basketball game against Prairie last Tuesday night in Kamiah was small on account of COVID-related limitations, but a few dozen Kubs supporters loudly yelled along with Yessica Gonzalez when the KHS cheerleaders took the floor during time-outs.
1/11/2021 - 1/17/2021
12/31/2020 – 1/10/2021
The Idaho National Guard is sending approximately 300 soldiers and airmen to Washington, D.C., to assist district and federal agencies with the presidential inauguration set today, Jan. 20. These guardsmen will augment the Washington D.C. National Guard and serve in support of the U.S. Secre…
This bicyclist was riding into a moody sky Sunday, Jan. 10, near the old townsite of Denver, north of Grangeville. He said he was riding around and exploring some areas he has yet to see.
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) seeks a member to represent recreation interests to serve on the Clearwater Basin Advisory Group (BAG). Application deadline is March 26.
The townsite of Denver was home to a flour mill in days past. This building was said to have been constructed circa 1895. Located just a few miles north of Grangeville, the townsite sign has seen kinder days.
A jury trial has been tentatively set Feb. 8 for a Grangeville man arrested on a federal warrant last month on drug charges.
WHITE BIRD — No injuries were reported from a vehicle fire last weekend that destroyed a pickup.
GRANGEVILLE — Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) is holding a raffle with a large bundle of gifts available.
COTTONWOOD — American Freedom Defense has scheduled an indoor class on Saturday, Jan. 30 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. No equipment needed. Guns, ammo and gear provided. Simunition rounds will be used for indoor firing. You can also bring you own gun for training purposes. This beginner course is fo…
ELK CITY — Sorry I missed last week’s news. Not much is happening in Elk City.
RIGGINS — Quotes of the week: “Life is short, live it. Love is free, grab it. Anger is bad, dump it. Fear is awful, face it. Memories are sweet, cherish them.” from ThinkPositivePower.
Just because the public has not been able to attend schools concerts during the past year does not mean students have not been working hard to hone their skills. Students in Carla Astle’s Grangeville Elementary Middle School (GEMS) choir worked to get ready for their second quarter concert r…
A large book giveaway, forced by a move, is available in Cottonwood with more than 500 books. This is taking place at Uhlenkott Storage, unit G-8. Open 24 hours a day; bring a box and take what you want. When leaving, turn off lights and shut door. Books are from the collection of Jerry Wren.
KAMIAH — Professional, respectful, integrity, duty and empathy. Those five words serve as the header for the whiteboard in the Kamiah Fire/EMS meeting room. Chief Bill Arsenault, who began his new role on Nov. 2, 2020, as Kamiah’s Fire/EMS chief reminds staff and volunteers to keep those wor…
GRANGEVILLE — Syringa Hospital and Clinics recently put together a list of frequently asked questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.
BOISE – Governor Brad Little announced today he will seek to increase the number of available Idaho National Guard personnel from 250 to 400 guardsmen later this week to aid in Idaho’s pandemic response. The additional guardsmen will assist in vaccine distribution.
On Jan. 14, at 19:29 (7:29 p.m.), Clearwater County Deputies conducted a traffic stop on a green 1998 Saturn for expired registration and speeding. The driver of the Saturn was identified as Tyler Bradley, 31, of Orofino. Bradley fled the traffic stop on foot. Bradley ended up in the Clearwa…
It was a short meeting Monday evening at Midvale City council, ending at 7:30 with temperatures outside of 12 degrees.
The Idaho National Guard is deploying 300 soldiers and airmen to Washington D.C. to assist during the transition of power from the Trump Administration to the Biden Administration.
GRANGEVILLE – A COVID vaccine FAQ, rollout schedule, and direct line is available on Syringa Hospital & Clinic website www.syringahospital.org.
BOISE — Gov. Little’s State of the State was not given on the House floor this year as it normally is, but rather streamed virtually from the Lincoln Auditorium, as he spoke to Idahoans in a 30-minute speech about past and future plans for the state, including a $600 million dollar surplus.
Routing Idaho 55 around downtown McCall via Deinhard Lane and Boydstun Street is being studied by the City of McCall and the Idaho Transportation Department.
Due to the regional increase of COVID-19 cases the Lewis County Courthouse, including the sheriff’s office, auditor’s office, assessor’s office, prosecutor’s office, and treasurer’s office will be open by appointment only.
McCall, Idaho -- Trees blackened by the Woodhead Fire near Council, Idaho still have value in the timber market, but not for long. That’s why Idaho Department of Lands forestry staff began evaluating the potential for selling the burned trees as salvage sales even before the fire was contain…
The Idaho office of AARP will host a statewide telephone town hall with Idaho Governor Brad Little and Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Director Dave Jeppesen on January 19. The discussion will focus on the most up-to-date information related to the ongoing pandemic including the vacci…
The Idaho National Guard is sending approximately 300 soldiers and airmen to Washington, D.C., to assist district and federal agencies with the presidential inauguration set for next Wednesday, Jan. 20. These guardsmen will augment the Washington D.C. National Guard and serve in support of t…
Public Health – Idaho North Central District (PH-INCD) and enrolled vaccine providers in Clearwater, Latah, Lewis, Idaho, and Nez Perce counties continue to work closely on coordination of weekly vaccine allocations and future vaccine distribution. This week marks the fifth week of vaccine b…
PULLMAN, Wash. — Kamiah resident Emma E. Cook, 18, was injured last week in a two-vehicle fatality crash outside Pullman, Wash.
SYRINGA — Investigation is continuing into last week’s single-vehicle crash near Syringa on U.S. Highway 12 that resulted in injuries for an Idaho Falls man.
With all that happened in 2020 — including a worldwide pandemic and tedious election processes both nationally and locally — it has been easy to let the challenging times overshadow the good.
While still some months off, elections will be coming up for the region’s taxing districts on everything from school levies to city councils and fire districts.
New and returning faces took the oath of office on Monday morning, Jan. 11, at the swearing in ceremony for Idaho County elected officials, held at the courthouse in Grangeville. Idaho County Clerk Kathy Ackerman administered the oath to commissioner Skip Brandt and county prosecutor Kirk Ma…
GRANGEVILLE — “The flu has pretty much gone by the wayside this year, with many people wearing masks,” and being extra-cautious with handwashing and sanitizing, Dr. Matthew Told said at the Dec. 22 Syringa board of trustees meeting.
COTTONWOOD — Proposals to address community flooding and water quality issues will be the focus of a virtual public scoping meeting this Thursday, Jan. 14, from 6 to 7 p.m. on Zoom.
KAMIAH — Kamiah’s first responders are getting a major boost in their wireless communication with the addition of a new, purpose-built FirstNet cell site. The site—located north of Kamiah—is part of the FirstNet network expansion taking place in Idaho, which is bringing increased coverage, c…
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Latest News
- OPINION: Idaho Legislature’s actions threaten vaccine rollout and Idaho’s prosperity
- Idaho County Free Press COVID-19 information portal / situation report
- Crabtree, Giddings back on job at state capitol
- Remains discovered year ago remain under investigation
- Homeless population count to take place Jan. 27
- U of I student interns covering legislature for Free Press
- Expect delays on Forest Service roads near Slate Creek during timber harvest operations
- Gov calls for state board to revise athletic plan and allow more spectators at sporting events
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