As we plan for the holiday, please keep in mind that Elmore County is currently in a state of extreme drought, and as a result, we are experiencing high fire danger. There is an excess of dry grass and other flammable material throughout the County and it is very easy to unintentionally start a brush fire that could lead to devastating consequences.

During construction about an hour ago a piece of heavy equipment hit a power pole inside the construction area that caused the pole to break and lean into another line, holding it in place. This in turn cause a live power line to be draped across Jackson Street. Oncoming traffic drove over the line causing it to snap and break into two pieces of live wire, one in the lane of traffic on Jackson and the second piece resting in the alley across the street behind the bank. All emergency services responded and MHPD help keep additional traffic out of the area until Idaho Power could come and shut the power off. That was accomplished quickly and traffic returned to normal. There were no injuries reported.

The Patriot Thunder motorcycle rally has been tentatively rescheduled for Sunday, July 10.

Due to the extreme amount of fuel load (grass) this year, and the predicted high temps expected to reach the mid to upper 90’s this week, the City of Mountain Home and the Mountain Home Rural Fire Protection District will be implementing an “Open Burn” ban effective July 1st, 2022. No open burning will be permitted until further notice. This burn ban includes burning in burn barrels. For questions or information, please contact Fire Station #1 at 208.587.2117.

On June 24, 2022 at approximately 12:30 p.m., there was a vehicle accident involving a HUMVEE during a training event at Saylor Creek Range, a part of the Mountain Home Range Complex, that resulted in the death of an Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps cadet.

Mackenzie Wilson, an AFROTC cadet from Oregon State University, died from injuries sustained during the accident. She was 19 years old and from Eagle River, AK.

Irrigation season is upon us and as the weather warms up and children start playing outside more, please consider talking with your kids about the dangers of irrigation canals.

Canals are very dangerous due to slippery banks, diversions, fluctuating currents, and powerful strong currents. It is NEVER a good idea to hang out near canals, play on the banks or swim in the canals.

Local law enforcement has seen many children playing around the canals in and around Mountain Home. They always inform them of the dangers of irrigation canals, but please take the time to make sure your own children are informed and safe.