Stories from Wednesday, November 13, 2013

The solemn duty became the responsibility of Jim Metzer. As each name was read, he struck the bell at Mountain View Cemetery, which broke the silence. By the time he finished, the bell rang out a total of 11 times. Each time, it represented someone from southern Idaho who had given their life in service to their country -- eleven of the 66 Idahoans who have died in combat since 9/11...

A Mountain Home man accused of killing his 22-month-old stepson will not face the death penalty when he goes to trial early next year. Richard R. Laubach could still face life in prison without the possibility of parole if he is convicted of the charges...

Long-standing traditions will return to Mountain Home in coming weeks as the city's chamber of commerce presents its annual Christmas Parade of Lights. Scheduled to start at 7 p.m. Dec. 6 next to the Fire Station 1, the parade will mark the first "official" appearance of Santa Claus in Mountain Home...

Dear editor: In Boise, they have a program where you can recognize your favorite teacher. We don't have that program here, but I wanted to recognize my favorite teacher. Last year, I was in sixth grade at Hacker Middle School and Mrs. Airhart was my teacher. I would like to thank Mrs. Airhart for believing in me, helping me with my struggles in math, trusting me, and for being such a great teacher...

Dear editor: The Christmas Spirit is already alive and well in Mountain Home, or call it just plain old Christian kindness. There was a couple standing on the side of the road today by Wendy's, "panhandling" if you would. Their car was loaded to the hilt and carrying a New Mexico license plate...