Banter Box archive

Nothing about schools in the overall authorization of the lottery:

67-7401.Purpose. The purpose of this legislation is to establish a state lottery to generate revenue for the state with a director and a state lottery commission to oversee lottery operations.

http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/idstat/...

(a) Annually, on July 1, the lottery shall transfer three-eighths (3/8) of its net income to the permanent building account; three-eighths (3/8) of its net income to the school district building account; and one-fourth (1/4) of its net income to the bond levy equalization fund after reserving sufficient moneys to ensure the continuation of the lottery, as determined by the director and commission.

http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/idstat/...

Bond Levy Equalization fund? That's schools, too.

So schools get 5/8 of the annual dividend and the PermBuFuBar gets 3/8, not half and half any more.

More Fun with math:

total Dividends returned to state: 473.8 Million.

Pet projects listed below: (the ISU remodel is an Education purpose, by the way) 3.89 Million- which is .008, or 8/10ths of 1 percent of the total distributions.

Here is the schedule to go watch if you're wondering how they vote on these projects:

April 5, 2011 1:30 PM West Conference Room Joe R. Williams Building

May 4, 2011 8:30 AM Southwest Idaho Tour

June 7, 2011 1:30 PM West Conference Room Joe R. Williams Building

July 6-7, 2011 8:00 AM Southeast Idaho Tour & Meeting

August 2, 2011 1:30 PM West Conference Room Joe R. Williams Building

http://adm.idaho.gov/pubworks/constructi...

How many of us have spent a few bucks on a scratch game, lost it but smiled and said to ourselves, "Well, at least it helps the schools" And the lotto powers-that-be knew that was exactly what we would do. Buy and buy with the reationale, "I'm helping."

Wake up is exactly what many of us are doing. I love the game just as much as the next person but everytime I hear the amount that has been raised for public schools, I want to scream! HUH??? What the heck! It was a carrot that they hung out to get the people of any state to agree to the gambling! It was the icing on the cake but every since, I keep asking "Show me the money!" When we see our own town having to pass bonds and teachers being laid off; as well as the crys from students and teachers alike about lost funding and classes, I feel that the lotto has lied! They say that they have given billions! BILLIONS??? Really? How is that possible? SHOW THE IDAHO PEOPLE THE MONEY! WHY CAN'T THE PEOPLE HAVE A SAY ABOUT WHERE THIS MONEY GOES??? If we are giving our money to the lotto, then the money raised for education should be divided among the districts where the people could vote on the use of the funds. WE are the ones who have paid for the bonds, candy, gifts, wrapping paper, breads, magazines and other fund-raisers. Give us the money and watch how successful parents and teachers can be. We are used to be thrifty.

Zzzzzzzzzz ENOUGH WITH THE SKY IS FALLING ROUTINE PLEASE.....

http://iceagenow.com/Global_Warming_Debu...

http://www.livescience.com/1693-global-w...

http://archive.newsmax.com/archives/arti...

I could go on and on and cut and paste references til the cows come home DEBUNKING the "global warming" enterprise which is truly what it is all about. It is research dollars being competed for, it is the multi BILLION dollar "green" industry...

So YourMomWaterworth what is your own personal financial angle? I have found that usually the ones shouting the loudest are the ones who stand to gain or lose the most financially and have no doubt you are the same.

bondyweb,

I saw a short clip of info about the funding being made available on news last night. All I can say is before there is ANY MORE "pretty project" work done they better put some of it to use to fix the RIVER known as East 8th North from the library down to past the ball field.

Just goes to show out much our Government is out of touch with the public, you really got to be kidding me.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_thelookout...

If he's so sure that the 'radiation threat, even for the workers, is very low' then why doesn't he haul his own butt to that plant and throw some H2O on those reactors himself. I'm sure the workers would appreciate the help. And when their equipment shows that radiation levels are spiking, he can tell them to quit being wusses and evacuating for no good reason, there is no problem here. This guy just MUST be a reliable source of info on the subject. It's not like there's a conflict of interest.... Wait...what, there is??

One down, one to go.

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2011/03/12...

Scoutin, As long as people drive doing everything but paying attention to driving its going to continue to happen. Law enforcement can't do anything unless they see it. May as well quit wasting all the paint on painting the crosswalks. I have had so many close calls from me being in a crosswalk, people look at you, what the heck are you doing in my way. I have been in a crosswalk and seen people on the phone, fixing their hair, eating etc like I was no where around. Its pass due for the public to step up and see if the law can be enforced before someone is killed just because they wanted to cross the street.

Why do people think they are in such a hurry? I stopped at the cross walk on AB road next to the Dental Center, to let a student cross, something I swear is in the city/county codes. The cars on the other side of the road see this and they stop too, but the brown mini van with the calvin praying to Jesus sticker, coming up behind me cares not of this. The driver proceeds, without slowing down, to go around me and not even care that someone is trying to cross the road, let alone a child, at the place where they are suppose to. Now, I know we are all busy in this world and we have places to be, but is it necessary to put our blinders on so tight as to not care about hitting someone in a crosswalk? This person acted as if the person in the crosswalk and all the cars stopped were in the wrong. Now, if this person is so religious to display the calvin praying sticker, you would think they would have the mind to care about others... So to this person, I have memorized your silly stickers and make/model of your vehicle for one purpose... if I see you stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire in the pouring rain wonder why no one will stop to help you, I will slow down.. just enough to hit the puddle to soak you to the bone, since you have no care for others, I will show the appreciation and reciprocate it.

All these people are leaving, why? Because 1000's of jobs are being hired overseas for cheaper wages and bigger profits. Pretty soon, we are going to have no industry and we will be at the mercy of other countries. Ever heard of the saying "being brought to your knees? well, folks - that is where we are headed.

I see this coming weekend we do our spring time change, sure seems early, but late Sat night, early Sun morning time to spring ahead one hour.

The story has gone national!

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/03/...

Well, there are many choices for parents today. If you can't home-school your kids, there is Richard McKenna which is a great charter school. And for those teachers who are losing their jobs, why not get together and offer your teaching skills to parents who would pool their money together to pay to have their kids taught out of the public school. With online public school courses and out of work teachers, it seems like a good idea. If you got 12-15 students per teacher, the parents could probably pay enough to help those teachers make a living and the kids would benefit from a small class size. Then all you need is a house with a nice size family room to convert into a classroom. I'f enrolled in virtual school, the state will provide a computer.

Lilmiss,

Thank you for pointing that out, I did not read it like that. But as Scoutin says, the reasons they choose to live in Boise have little or nothing to do with the schools directly, it is cost, the same reason the Air Force would close the base. It becomes too expensive to live here, they too will live somewhere else.

LMM,

I agree many of my troops have chosen to live in Boise, for two main reasons, one the rent is cheaper there, some of these renters think they have gold lined walls in MH, when in Boise they go for a fraction of the price. Second there major business competition, causing prices to be better, and in this economy, its a good choice. Yes, the drive is a nuisance, but thats the only one my troops come up with. I have lived here for 10 years now, and I have noticed the demeanor towards military personnel has waned, so some of my new troops feel they would be better off living in Boise.

Something I reliazed with the SD, they havent come up with an alternate option to Lunas plan. All I see is they want to keep things the way they are, stick it to the tax payer, but they keep the golden egg. Sorry, we all have tightened our belts as tax payers, its time for the SD to find cost cutting methods, maybe the people wouldnt be so angry if you would come up with some options instead of crossing your arms and huffing. I noticed the bond wasnt enough, but we all knew the 390th was leaving, which means the school numbers would drop. So, maybe the bond wasnt necessary after all, you cant say the 390th leaving was from left field, it was a known. So, the SD is now having to cut teachers because of that, and still "need" the bond and want to keep the things as usual, while the rest of us (the tax payers) have to do with less. Im sorry to rant, it just bothers me, that we are "expected" to pay more and more taxes while they get to keep everything, in this economy it jsut cant work.

Uh oh.....Luna's 1108 passed the house. As the IEA has foretold, "And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood". Poor poor education. It will never be the same.

I love how the SD say they dont know where else to cut money. How about start with cutting your bloated paychecks at the top, you are way over paid for the service you provide, for the size of community you provide it for, my opinion. If you were really into saving teachers and caring about the students you would have looked at that first. And as for the extracurricular activities, these need to be looked at too, as I have said before, no one really cared in the work force if I played iron man badminton in HS or not, they only care if I know the job and can make them money...

-Derek

Why is there no mention of cutting sports programs to save money, or is this area considered off limits when it comes to budget cuts?

These are our elected officials, they are content to let us suffer, as they gain more and more and refuse to budge after they have gutted us. This was foreseen when they wanted the school bond and now its more apparent as they tell our children one-sided views, and not do their jobs. My children dont go to school to hear your rants about "woe is me", they are there to learn. My taxes pay for me to defend this country and I do my job well. They also pay for you to teach my children, not give them your opinion on topics they cant effect. Like I said earlier, I have taken a pay and benefits cut, and Im ok with it because I know its for the greater good of the nation and my children. I expect you, our elected officials and their workers to do the same. Our founding fathers gave us the ability to fix this, I look forward to election day.

-Derek

they did mention the lower enrollment, but the stated the layoffs were due to Luna's plan

OMG... channel 7 KTVB, just played the most alarming segment on Mountain Home SD having to eliminate 8 positions.. Alexander gave the most unconvincing interview. He himmed and hawed about which classes would be cut. Possibly Welding.. Come on you announce layoffs and you really have not clue which ones. PLEASE. Oh yea they also forgot to say that real reason for the layoffs; less students to teach.

Oh no it was all due to Luna's plan. Please get it together Mountain Home School District, which is it..

Kim, I totally agree with you on the Luna matter. Saturday the wife and I had to have a talk with our children, because the teachers at the JH and HS have been feeding them a heavily one sided view on Lunas bill. I told them to read the bill and become informed, dont listen to or believe what anyone tells them, and dont spread second hand information. Its truly sad how they are trying to use our children to further their agenda. This economy is tight and it will get worse if we cant cut the fat from the budget. Ive taken a pay and benefits cut, and I understand why and Im fine with it. The rest of the nation needs to get on board with it and work through this period, it will show our kids we are more accountable than just whinning about it. I think the next phase should be the cutting the fat from the state and federal lawmakers pay and benefits... its only fair.

-Derek

OM,

I think I understand...you don't know anything, but, you know people who do. Thanks for the "proof."

Angel Flight

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgkxiqKj0...

Concerning the Luna education,my blog shows some proof. It is unfortunate but the proof is in the mouths of babes. I want my kids to learn about local and state government. However, I don't appreciate teachers using the classroom to gain support for their agenda. I have discussed this with my kids and I am told that the teachers are talking about this bill from their point of view. I am told that the students haven't got the bill to read. If my kid wants to make a stand for or against a bill, they should read it first. Teachers have a right to their opinions, but when it comes to this bill and getting kids emotionally involved by encouraging a walk-out and protest is wrong! They haven't gotten all the information in order to make-up their own minds. I don't want my kid protesting something that they haven't even read. I don't want Teachers giving their emotionally charged opinions to kids. I was even told that a few teachers were upset that the protest wasn't more organized!

JYD:

If you had done your research, the "proof" of what teachers are doing is all over this paper. Even the students are offering up the "proof." The "guilty" parties know who they are---Mr. Gilbert knows who they are and the parents who write on here know who they are.

The situation, JYD, no matter how you want to sugar coat it is this. The teachers are coaching the kids on the parts of the bill they want them to know about as opposed to making copies of, directing them to a web page, etc. where these kids could read the entire bill and form their own opinion. If you feel this is the proper subject matter for regular class time, well, then MH has much larger issues on its hands. It is an abuse of power for teachers to use class time to push their agendas. Call Mr. Gilbert. I am sure he will tell you there was a problem and that it has been dealt with.

Now that was your put up; now do you think you can close the ole pie hole and leave the keystrokes for those of us forward thinking folks?

Actually, Opinion Missy, Mr. Gilbert is a great person - you obviously don't know him.

I love living here. Just got a call from Mr Gilbert from the school district. A complete professional and total 180 from what I was told last night. The integrity of the classroom is paramount in the Mtn Hm school district and the focus should be on learning. They are on it. Thanks Mr. Gilbert.

I will sign my name. I say it the way I see it after much research and fact finding. If I see you on the street, I will say to your face what I type. If I think you are an idiot, I will tell you. If I think you are less than honest, I will tell you and generally list the facts/how/why. While I may have less tact than a Sherman Tank in a china shop...I sign my name. That is the difference on here. Thank you Brenda for your post.

Now, to close. The WECRD is still not being honest with its public. The MHSD is using class time to further their agenda and is using students as pawns. The article on the WECRD/YMCA left out some pretty important details that the public has a right to know such as:

Everyone will be taxed for this facility and will have to also pay a fee to join.

Taxes will increase each year through 2024 for this.

The project will be phased, and the last phase will have a pool (in theory anyway).

Of ALL the people being taxed in this community, only 17% are projected to use this facility (sounds like another golf club).

The facility with the pool will run over 200-300K in the red EACH AND EVERY YEAR.

Taxes will ONLY go away if YEARLY donations can be raised to reach the amount raised in taxes...NEARLY $450,000.00 PER YEAR!!

Pools are NEVER-EVER money makers. So, be prepared to pay baby pay in the name of POOLS so 17% of our community can be served!

Best regards folks,

Tracy Lauric

THANK YOU!!!!!!!

Roy "Lynn" McCallum: Well said!

And to add a little more fodder to this group's behavior - "The right to be heard does not automatically include the right to be taken seriously." - Vice President Hubert Humphrey

Just read on the news part of the Internet, "The Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that the First Amendment protects fundamentalist church members who mount attention-getting, anti-gay protests outside military funerals."

What a shame that people have to go to such extremes to make sure people hear them, even if they don't want to hear them.

I have fought for this country and for the right to freedom of speech, which the Supreme Court is upholding, but I sure wish people could take other people's feeling and opinions in mind when they hold these types of public protests. At a Funeral? At a funeral of a fallen Soldier?

Just thought I would share MY opinion.

For the Facebook users beware what is being released about you.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_thelookout...

lilmissmelmo,

If it wasn't so sad, it is extremely hilarious! I'm talking about the photo on your blog!! Kids out protesting education reform only to prove that reform is needed!!

Nomad4 - Newsflash....your taxes pay for many, many, MANY other wasteful and bigger things than 1 day of school. I'd complain about those instead, but that's your opinion and your choice. Since school started two weeks earlier and the last day of school got pushed out farther than originally planned, I'd be willing to bet that your kid has more than enough required days of school. The teachers didn't walk out. Perhaps this could be a learning experience for all. I'm sure your kid learned something today, even if it was about protests, rights, the education system, etc. If not, he/she didn't WANT to learn. Sometimes "life" is also a good teacher.

Yes, it was an excused absence! Yes, my child, who stayed in class wanting to be taught instead did nothing ALL day, thanks to the stupid protest!

I am not responding in support of the Luna bills but I do believe our children/grand children are being coached in many cases, particularly in the instance of the "walk out" today. I agree with so many of the responses that they are being used as pawns by others agendas. I saw the same thing during the schools request for taxpayer's funds. There is so much emotion and using the kids to emphasis an employee's opinion is a cheap shot. They have all the right in the world to voice their opinions, I just wish they were fully informed and educated in the situation not hearing only half the stories and this should be done personally and not through the school classroom time. Teachers should be teaching not offering their own agenda and battle even if I totally agree and believe they need outside support in helping them speak. It should not be at the encouragement of our kids. The adults should be the ones holding weekend rallies to bolster support.

For the record- none of my teachers have discussed the Luna Bill until today. ONE teacher explained to us the state's reasoning for getting rid of unions. His ONE opinionated statement- He did not understand why the government was nullifying contracts bargained in good faith between two parties. He compared it to a person bargaining a contract to get a house built. That was the only time a teacher "Indoctrinated" me on this issue.

The walk-out was legal- I didn't participate because I feel that in Mountain Home with no capitol building to walk out to and protest all the situation did was make our students look immature- further suppressing our voices- however the point of a protest is to stand for your beliefs even in the face of punishment. For the most part the students had every right to walk out. The catch was when some of them came screaming down the halls- that warrants a punishment because it certainly disturbed the educational process- my government class was in an uproar for at least 20 minutes.

More attention needs to be paid attention to what teachers are telling the kids in the class room. I don't believe all their time is spend on education but alot more attention is given to what the State is trying to do with the Luna bills that are being worked on. Same thing went on with the last 5.6 million with teachers getting involved with the students to help get that passed. You never see the top people in the District taking any pay cuts. Its always cut programs and pink slip some teachers. I find it hard to believe none of the teachers knew this was going to happen. But its only my opinion which doesn't count for much.

Lots of things sound good until you realize there may be consequences for the actions, and it's easy to get all the kids in an uproar about making a difference. That's how we got stuck with Obama.

Thanks eagle eye. I haven't seen Boise paper this a.m. Appreciate your info.

Just talked with the school and police dept about the walkout protest going on right now. Apparentally approximately 75-100 highschool kids walked out in protest of the Luna bill. As told to me, Mr. Johnson tried to stop them but they walked out anyway. The have from what I understand congregated at Carl Miller Park. No other schools are involved, just the highschool.

Talked with assistant police chief and suggested they arrest each one for truancy and then let them know they can protest after 3:00. She said that she is going to check with the school resource officers and see what they are doing with it.

I also contacted Mtn. Home News and they do have a reporter out there on site.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhgUatSXA...

This about sums up why the country is inthe state it is in. A song by Bread---they knew where we were headed way back way. Enjoy the tune.

Many want the same services with less money. Few want cuts. What do ya do?

According to the newsletter that accompanied my statement, Councilman Schroeder is partially correct. The tax withholding was affected by changes to the tax law, tax tables and the expiration of other legislation.

Bringing the Saudis here is a good thing--Right?

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/02/25/pro...

What do all of these things have in common?

3% tax increase per year until AT LEAST 2024.

NOT able to operate without a tax subsidy or in kind contribution yearly.

Phased facility that will not be completed until 2024.

Will operate at least $200K PLUS in the RED per year.

Will serve only 17% of this community but ALL will be taxed.

Operations/management fees to cost local taxpayers 20% of operational budget (which has not been worked into the financials yet)...i.e "budget" numbers.

Here is a hint folks. This is what the WECRD, Mark Hiddleston, Jack Walbourn and the YMCA have planned for this community! This meeting, so you can see for yourself is soon to hit the net. Stay tuned.

Can't speak for everyone but I just got my Military Retired Statement and my Federal Income Tax withheld is going up over 22 % for me 1 Mar thats a big increase that I never saw coming. Now I am wondering just what they are going to withhold on Social Security. I guess this is the Governments way of boosting jobs and no tax increase, yea right another slipped in on us. Knowing its going to apply to everyone pay check.

To help clear up the Public notice on the City web site about the DEQ and the water loan. Click on the red box, once its open scroll down and on the bold black print, click on it and it will say when, where and date of the public meeting. I was confused about all of it so called the City to find out the info.

Whats this? Recreation without a 900 thousand dollar begging campaign, taxes for ten years and a pool? Is that even possible?

http://vimeo.com/20085404

What the heck is in the Luna Education Bill(s)? If it takes 3 bills to change things then maybe "we" need more time to be read, digest and understand this issue BEFORE it goes any further. To clarify, I'm only against these bills because I don't understand them. It also seems like there is a lot of fertilizer being spread across the news and internet about the Bills...if you get my drift.

The one portion I am totally against is the laptop computer being given to students. The pens was once mightier than the sword. Becoming an expert in the use of that pen before moving on to the computer would be a good first step to improving Education.

The show is getting better!!!.... Hold on I need some more pickle juice and a tea bag.

Yep, Luna took action. Now, everyone cries. At least someone had the Kahoonas to stop going down the same old path. Talk and discussion should have been done long time ago.

I read on the Statesman last week Luna couldn't get public support so him and Otter decided to do the Bill themselves and put it to the Legislative Folks to sort it all out and pass the Bill this year. There has been some changes made. In my opinion Luna and Otter didn't give the Legislatsion much for a chance to fix problems with the Bill. Just hurry up and pass it. What a way to do business as important as it is. What going to happen when it passes and it becomes Law that can't be fixed.

Yes, he is asking questions. But, surely he has some suggestions? I am not denying the questions have to be asked and the questions should have been asked many months ago, but he must have some ideas at this point. Not saying he is incorrect, so please don't read it that way. He is very close to what is going on and also am sure he knows more about the pitfalls than most of us. So, what would some of his recommendations be?

I read Tim Corder's blog and then went to his facebook blog site that he gave the address for. Here is my comment on that blog and one paragraph,(not his complete narrative), from the info he wrote about the SD meeting to be held this week regarding teacher pay for performance.

Tim's narrative: "Preparing for next week's meeting on the 23d at Mountain Home we now have three bills to discuss. The pay-for-performance bill is S1110 and still does not identify a funding source. Much of this process is represented to be a matter of local control and flexibility. Only one of the three measurements for teacher performance is selected locally from a state provided list of alternatives. It appears that both "growth" and "excellence" performance measurements will be using the same ISAT spring test. I am struggling with the implications of how that works. It also appears that each district might be competing against other districts. In Meridian a school with three grades has a principal and three assistant principals, three counselors and a host of other support personnel. Let's see how Mountain Home, Horseshoe Bend, or Idaho City competes against that."

My remark to Tim: "Tim, You ask a lot of questions, but I don't see any plan or suggestions. What would you do?

I did look at your blog, and see that the district is having a meeting on 23rd regarding teacher pay for performance. What might be your suggestions?"

Found this online and had to share it...

by: Eedroj Remier

Are you sick of high paid teachers? Teachers' hefty salaries are driving up taxes, and they only work 9 or 10 months a year! It's time we put things in perspective and pay them for what they do - baby sit! We can get that for less than minimum wage.

That's right. Let's give them $3.00 an hour and only the hours they worked; not any of that silly planning time, or any time they spend before or after school. That would be $19.50 a day (7:45 to 3:00 PM

with 45 min. off for lunch and plan -- that equals 6 1/2 hours).

Each parent should pay $19.50 a day for these teachers to baby-sit their children.

Now how many do they teach in day...maybe 30? So that's $19.50 x 30 = $585.00 a day. However, remember they only work 180 days a year!!! I am not going to pay them for any vacations.

LET'S SEE.... That's $585 X 180= $105,300 peryear. (Hold on! My calculator needs new batteries).

What about those special education teachers and the ones with Master's degrees? Well, we could pay them minimum wage ($7.75), and just to be fair, round it off to $8.00 an hour. That would be $8 X 6 1/2 hours X 30 children

X 180 days = $280,800 per year.

Wait a minute -- there's something wrong here! There sure is!

The average teacher's salary (nation wide) is $50,000. $50,000/180 days = $277.77/per day/30 students=$9.25/6.5 hours = $1.42 per hour per student--a very inexpensive baby-sitter and they even EDUCATE your kids!)

https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=e...

For anyone who cares...the ENTIRE YMCA letter to the WECRD. This outlines SOME of the terms to keep the YMCA involved in Mountain Home, Idaho.

Observer,

Stop it your making me thirsty....

Yes Vic, it was reported and the EPA and DEQ are on it. Need to do a FOIA Request to get official info.

Here is some real news.

There is an old dump here in town. People have been illegally excavating this area for the metal FOR MONTHS!

They have unearthed God knows what and sold this metal for a gain. Now, all of these things that should be covered up so they do not get in the air are free to blow at will. And how about an issue maybe with ground water. Do you think they notified people who own homes close to this area? Heck NO! There is a city police officer out there nearly daily and nobody knew what was going on.

You did not read about that in this paper. Why is that?

homedog,

Free country, you are entitled to your opinion, as I am entitled to MINE. Rather than insult or degrade I will just say. I disagree with you and so did/do a LOT of other voting Americans. Have a nice day.

Anti-health care reform measure (aka the unconstitutional "nullification bill") approved by the Idaho House

Seven Republicans joined the Democrats in opposing the legislation, which passed 49-20.

A bill declaring the federal health care overhaul void in Idaho was sent to the Senate, despite an Idaho attorney general's opinion and Democratic objections that the measure is unconstitutional.

Here's what OUR buffoon of a lawmaker said on the House floor:

REP. PETE NIELSEN, R-Mountain Home

"We have heard from the people. We are trying to exert their voice."

Yeah, well you didn't exert my voice Pete. Matter of fact you just wasted a whole lot of taxpayer dollars and put my family's health care at risk. Thanks a lot you joker.

Happy to see the update on the spill. Went from a thermometer to a barometer, and the HAZMAT is from Mtn. Home and not the state team. Really changes the picture doesn't it? Oh well at least the story was corrected.

High is closed for a hazmat spill. A thermometer broke and there is now a mercury spill. Just have to love this one. Money - hazmat, school buses, parents time off to pick up kids .... This is another government, idiot bill that has been taken too far. Ludicrous.

Does anyone remember the little 2 year old baby girl that was murdered by her mother? This was back in the 80's. I cannot think of the Mother's name, the little girls first name was Jean. The family lived on Alturas Drive

For many, many years, our institutions of higher learning (colleges) have been using computer technology to educate. They will have a teacher in another location teaching multiple classes. It saves money! It is also interactive. You can still ask questions---it is just that the teacher is in another place. More bang for your bucks.

As far as this computer issue goes...if your older child cannot keep track of their things, you have larger problems than how you will pay for a new computer if something happens. The MHSD has people on their payroll to fix computers and help/assist with tech issues. Perhaps, if they do not have enough staff for this currently, they will hire more people to handle this so that these computers can be learning tools and not something that will hurt/hinder their educations.

For the last 10 years, the MHSD has run the district as if there were more kids going to school within the district when that was NOT TRUE. It would stand to reason that if enrollment numbers are down, cuts SHOULD have been made. Afterall, less students mean less revenue for the MHSD right?

Cuts need to be made. Education needs to be about education and these future leaders having the skills they need to be productive members of their community. Piss and moan all you want but do any of you have better ideas? Mr. McMurtrey makes over $105,000 a year. Mr. Osborne, the money manager for the district, makes over $40.00 PER HOUR!!! Both of these people have had a hand in the disaster that now faces this community.

Some of you out there voted for the levy. How does throwing more money at people like this help? It does not help! Cuts need to be made. Cuts must be made for the health of the education system. The fat cats at the top need a diet and need to be held to a budget---a REAL budget.

Now the district plans to hold meetings. I urge you to do your own research on the issue. The MHSD has never been FACTUAL in what they choose to tell their public (you know...the folks who pay their bills).

Everybody want to complain but nobody seems to have a socially responsible/economically responsible solution to this problem.

In the good years what did the MHSD do with all of the money. We are where we are at due to the people in charge. Maybe Egypt had the right idea.

We are going to be responsible for a computer for each one of our children under Luna's plan. Will I have to pay when there is a virus? When my kid accidentally drops and breaks it? When its stolen? If I can't pay for it is there going to be a lein on my house? I know that I'm liable for text books and such but this is a whole nother level. This is hundreds of dollars. What's next a mandatory, state supplied car, so my kid isn't late? everybody in my house has their own laptop and smart phone. There is one desk top, a kindle, and a tablet. I don't think that I should be forced to in essence, "buy", or be encumbered by a redundant piece of equipment.

http://www.ktvb.com/news/Investigators-s...

Kelly, loved your editorial!!!

The local school district must have some extra money, as a lot (Many classrooms) of lights are on in West Elementary.

Maybe the parents that were duking it out at North elementary this afternoon could use a little medication.

MsMarylin must own stock in a pharmaceutical company. How the he-double tooth picks did the human race survive before all these mind altering drugs? How did the older generation make it without something to suppress their multiple physiological problems? Maybe just maybe it is an excuse, I bet every kid that acts badly must have a mental condition of some sort and need medication. If they are depressed let's give them uppers instead of talking to and spending time with your child, doing something together as a family. If they are hyper-active let's give them downers instead of getting them into sports and spending time with them burning off the excess energy. I guess this generation has and excuse for everything, why they get bad grades, why they act out, why they can't graduate, why they stole the car, why they went to jail....ect Gee it couldn't be the child never got disciplined, never had family (sit-down) dinners at home and not takeout, never spent time as a family playing board games and things like that. No life isn't as exciting as a video game. Giving drugs that will solve everything.

Ok I looked at your link and yes it does talk about the spoiling of children today and most shouldn't be placed on medication. I agree to this, sometimes medicating a child is not the answer, however I scrolled all the way down to the bottom of this page and I am not seeing where the author says a good belt whipping is needed in place of medication?

Instead of making a Judgement call that all children need a butt whipping, I would have to know the child first and his family and whats going on within the family to determine what the child needs. I cannot assume that a child needs medication or a butt whipping just because someone thinks all children who are spoiled need a belt whipping, maybe the parents need one.. lol !

Here's a link >>> Prozac Causes Depression

http://noprozac.blogspot.com/2007/12/bip...

See I can just go pull links that support MY opinion too.

CJW I have had hands on experience with a Bipolar person for over twenty years and still needs medication.... Belt Whipping does not help behavior problems in Bipolar people.... You must be thinking of some other illness. I guess you would also say When a Schizophrenic acts out he/she don't need medication either, just a belt whipping will solve the problem

Here's a link for information on Bipolar

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bipolar_dis...

I got so distracted by all those numbers that I totally missed my point of asking you to back your opinion:

"...BEST SOLUTION TO BIPOLAR BEHAVIOR IN A CHILD??? A BELT APPLIED TO POSTERIOR!

That simple concept has worked for generations and oddly enough as we as a society have moved away from that the crime rate has increased dramatically.... Things that make ya go "hmmmmmmmmm""

The links you posted don't state WHY the crime rate has risen....I think you missed the point also.

Why is it you get so defensive when we ask of you, what you ask of us? Why is it YOU can have comments, opinions but WE have lies, and are whiners? By your posts and so called comments, opinions, you are a very angry, irritated person.

By the way, that's just my opinion.

"That simple concept has worked for generations and oddly enough as we as a society have moved away from that the crime rate has increased dramatically.... Things that make ya go "hmmmmmmmmm""

CJW...

I'd like to see your facts and sources to back that statement up.

snafu,

Wow, lengthy cut and paste from???? somewhere...

You wouldn't happen to be one of those educators who stands to possibly become unemployed due to the change sin the educational system? Maybe spouse of a possibly soon to be unemployed educator? I am not trying to come off as harsh but you sure seem afwul BIASED.....

junkyard dog,

""MHSD must also support and educate 100s of kids with disabilities, some mental, some physical, some behavioral, and some all of the above.""

Now behavior problems are considered a "disability" ?????? Hmmm I will just say I disagree with that concept, I have to wonder how the human race survived this long before all the bipolar meds and behavior adjustment medications..... BEST SOLUTION TO BIPOLAR BEHAVIOR IN A CHILD??? A BELT APPLIED TO POSTERIOR!

That simple concept has worked for generations and oddly enough as we as a society have moved away from that the crime rate has increased dramatically.... Things that make ya go "hmmmmmmmmm"

LIVERPOOL, N.Y. -- The students at Liverpool High have used their school-issued laptops to exchange answers on tests, download pornography and hack into local businesses. When the school tightened its network security, a 10th grader not only found a way around it but also posted step-by-step instructions on the Web for others to follow (which they did).

Skip to next paragraph

Enlarge This Image

Narayan Mahon for The New York Times

Chris Barry, 16, carrying his laptop at Liverpool High School in Liverpool, N.Y., where they are being phased out.

Scores of the leased laptops break down each month, and every other morning, when the entire school has study hall, the network inevitably freezes because of the sheer number of students roaming the Internet instead of getting help from teachers.

So the Liverpool Central School District, just outside Syracuse, has decided to phase out laptops starting this fall, joining a handful of other schools around the country that adopted one-to-one computing programs and are now abandoning them as educationally empty -- and worse.

Many of these districts had sought to prepare their students for a technology-driven world and close the so-called digital divide between students who had computers at home and those who did not.

"After seven years, there was literally no evidence it had any impact on student achievement -- none," said Mark Lawson, the school board president here in Liverpool, one of the first districts in New York State to experiment with putting technology directly into students' hands. "The teachers were telling us when there's a one-to-one relationship between the student and the laptop, the box gets in the way. It's a distraction to the educational process."

Liverpool's turnabout comes as more and more school districts nationwide continue to bring laptops into the classroom. Federal education officials do not keep track of how many schools have such programs, but two educational consultants, Hayes Connection and the Greaves Group, conducted a study of the nation's 2,500 largest school districts last year and found that a quarter of the 1,000 respondents already had one-to-one computing, and fully half expected to by 2011.

Yet school officials here and in several other places said laptops had been abused by students, did not fit into lesson plans, and showed little, if any, measurable effect on grades and test scores at a time of increased pressure to meet state standards. Districts have dropped laptop programs after resistance from teachers, logistical and technical problems, and escalating maintenance costs.

Such disappointments are the latest example of how technology is often embraced by philanthropists and political leaders as a quick fix, only to leave teachers flummoxed about how best to integrate the new gadgets into curriculums. Last month, the United States Department of Education released a study showing no difference in academic achievement between students who used educational software programs for math and reading and those who did not.

Those giving up on laptops include large and small school districts, urban and rural communities, affluent schools and those serving mostly low-income, minority students, who as a group have tended to underperform academically.

Matoaca High School just outside Richmond, Va., began eliminating its five-year-old laptop program last fall after concluding that students had failed to show any academic gains compared with those in schools without laptops. Continuing the program would have cost an additional $1.5 million for the first year alone, and a survey of district teachers and parents found that one-fifth of Matoaca students rarely or never used their laptops for learning. "You have to put your money where you think it's going to give you the best achievement results," said Tim Bullis, a district spokesman.

Everett A. Rea Elementary School in Costa Mesa, Calif., where more than 95 percent of students are Hispanic and come from low-income families, gave away 30 new laptops to another school in 2005 after a class that was trying them out switched to new teachers who simply did not do as much with the technology. Northfield Mount Hermon School, a private boarding school in western Massachusetts, eliminated its five-year-old laptop program in 2002 after it found that more effort was being expended on repairing the laptops than on training teachers to teach with them.

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Ne

snafu: What is it that you don't like about the Luna Bill? You can say "I told you so" but we need to know what you're telling us first.

I dont get on the BB and bash any of you. But the thing is if this bill passes I will get on and say I told you so.

OM,

MHSD doesn't get to select and choose among students...it has to accept all, no questions asked.

You know what happens to kids who don't meet McKenna School standards?...they get the boot. Oh yeah, there are no refunds.

snafu: Got a better link to the Bill? Spent 10 minutes looking for the correct bill or bills and not sure I found the right one. Why not post the house/senate Bill number or better yet, your top ten reason you don't like what is being proposed.

Parents of school age kids, I would be very upset over what Luna is going to do to you. Those laptops are just a smoke screen to what he is really going to do. It is almost that he hates teachers. Everything that they have worked for is going down the tube. Guess who might be paying for those online classes? YOU!!!!!All your nightmares will be coming true.

I urge parents to go to www.idaho.gov and read the whole bill that Luna is proposing. Your school system is going to become a nightmare if they pass this proposal. Call or write your senator to say NO!!

Take it for whats its worth LOL

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110202/ap_o...

Thanks Chief for clearing that up and sorry to have posted a rumor. Had a friend whose car window was blown out over the weekend and they stated those facts, about the gang initiation, came from the police officer who worked his incident. Wasn't trying to stir up trouble and glad that this isn't going on in MH. I know the MHPD will be very diligent in catching whomever is at fault!

Thank You for clearing that up. So much of what you hear can be debated it seems. One another note, I was just in the State Farm insurance office the other day and met the new agent who seems very nice. I believe the young man said he would be starting officially in March.As a community, I would like to welcome him and his family to the town and wish him success in his taking over the agency.

Nomad and Uncommon,

I typically let rumors run their course, but since this one seems to rejuvinate and continue to live I am happy to share facts. The rumors started after an e-mail circulated right before the holidays claiming that as part of a gang initiation a house had been invaded, ransacked and valuables stolen. It also claimed that their house had almost been invaded as well, if not for their trusty K-9's.

The facts are as follows:

- A homeowner found a footprint at their residence that cannot be explained. Nothing was taken, the house was not damaged in any way and no forced entry was made. No one was home at the time. They did not report the matter to Police until after we read the e-mail and spent hours tracking down the veracity of what was purported and contacted them.

- A neighbor heard of the footprint and when they returned home, opended their garage and found the inside door between the garage and house ajar they felt the two incidents were related. This indiviudal did not call Police either, as there was no loss, no one saw or heard anything other than an open door.

- This neighbor then sent an e-mail to co-workers at the MHAFB that went viral and made it's way to hundreds of readers. It linked the above facts to gang initiations, home invasions, ransacked houses, etc. The goal was noble...he was trying to alert others to a potential safety concern. The result was a tremendous amount of false information and unwarranted fear.

Which brings us to today....parts of a false rumor that continues to circulate. Mountain Home is the safest place I have ever lived and we DO NOT have gang members invading houses as part of an initiation. We ARE NOT crime free and as a result, everyone needs to do their part to keep their valuables safe. They also need to be great witnesses and keep their eyes peeled for anything that looks out of the ordinary.

When they see anything suspicious or weird, they need to call us as we love to come running...we are here to serve. If it is nothing, no harm, no foul. If it is someone up to no good, perhaps we catch them.

That is likely what it will take to catch our current miscreants, who somehow derive pleasure in shooting out windows on vehicles. Their "fun" is costing good honest folks thousands of hard earned dollars.

You two have every right to be angry at their actions, as do all of our residents. I know I am and so are the officers at MHPD. Every officer I work with would LOVE to catch these folks and throw them in jail and I can tell you they are working hard to achieve that goal. In the mean time, watch out for one another and call us....it may just be the call that saves your window or the window of your neighbor.

Chief John Walter

MHPD

Nomad

I heard about the daytime break ins on facebook a few weeks ago but never heard anything since then. I wasn't sure if it was true or not. Is there anyone who can confirm this? Hopefully the next house they invade will have a loaded shotgun and a homeowner who isn't afraid to use it on the other side. That should put a stop to it. Or we could just give them a stern talking-to. That always works:)

http://www.magicvalley.com/news/local/ar...

So a few students were expelled and today the "rivalry" seems to be on the down-low. The principle is working with the SRO to make sure our kids are kept safe. Now for the recent rash of vandalism in town--guess there is an area of town getting a name--the part of town behind Taco John's!!! New gang initiation is to break into a home in the middle of the day! Pray the police get a handle on this fast!!!! Maybe we need a sweep of that area behind Taco Johns and see how many are here legally.

I agree that the high school principle and the school board had a knee jerk reaction to the problems by canceling the dance. One must ask why didn't they just punish the trouble makers by expelling them and if a senior also not letting them graduate. We need to stop punishing everyone for idiots creating problems. I hope the decision to punish my good student is turned around at the next election by voting out the entire school board. Let's punish all of them for the principles decision. If there is so much trouble where is the POLICE presence?

My son worked very hard on helping to get this dance going for the High School and was looking forward to it, he comes home and tells me it was canceled due to fights at the school. What the...why wer'nt the kids fighting expelled, don't ruin it for all the other kids that worked hard and deserved it.

Time for uniforms and metal detectors at the high school??? I'd support that idea 100%! Let the stupid gangs and wannabe's beat each other senseless somewhere else!

That is nice of you to offer, but those questions were eventually answered.

With all due respect, I have called in the past and didn't always get a straight answer.

I had not heard about this, but it is interesting. I did notice that the Blackout Dance that was scheduled had been canceled. I hope this is due to poor ticket sales and not trouble amongst the students. Perhaps someone can give an explanation as to what may be the reasons for these actions.

No Retiree COLA increas for 2011:

http://www.dfas.mil/rapay/newsletter/201...

Franco:

I've not received cost-of-living adjustments in my military retirement, either, and I'm not sure of which CPI they use to calculate the COLA. However, the contract with Allied uses the All-Urban Consumers, US City Average Price index, which can be found here:

http://www.bls.gov/cpi/data.htm

You can see from all the links on that page there are many CPIs, used for various puprposes.

I uploaded the Allied Waste notification letter, along with the CPI table used to compute the increase (which was 1.17%), so anyone can see how the calculations are made, here:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/47607125/Mount...

Hope this helps.

There are those that continually try to put people in their place; and then there are those whom get PUT IN their PLACE (evidenced in recent blogs)

This is pretty funny and is from the following article in this paper:

http://www.mountainhomenews.com/story/16...

So, P & Z is entertaining allowing a "community" which would be built/developed over 50 years? WOW! So the current P & Z Board could encumber future Boards for the next 50 years not to mention the people of Elmore County?

The race track stuck the people of Elmore County for some money when they did not pay their bills for their "grand" plan. Now, we have this where the current residents of EC will pay for this "growth" until such time that this proposed "community" can build itself up (while the economy is in the tank mind you).

For those of you who do not know...Mark Pecchenino worked for AEHI telling us how great this nuclear power plant would be for the area. Now he is on this project. Seems that he will pitch anything for a buck or two.

THIS IS MY FAVORITE:

"...Meanwhile, the periodic sale of homes in the townsite would generate $368 million in transfer tax revenue. This money would help build future improvements within the community, including aquatic centers..."

Even this guy thinks it will take an eternity before EC sees an aquatic center!

Funny stuff. Let us hope the powers that be can see the forest for the trees. If you build it they will not come...

The holiday trash pickup schedule is here:

http://www.alliedwasteidaho.com/trash-an...

The City Council did not approve the larger recycling totes. The rate increase was part of Allied Waste's contract which allows for periodic increases tied to the Consumer Price Index. The contract is available for view at city hall.

Transplated,

That is ironic, the wife and I were talking about this the other day. City Council approved this ( i could be mistaken) but in mid sept 2011. Hopefully we will see something soon. Also I thought that is a FEDERAL holiday fell in the week, then trash collections would be off a day. I guess MLK Day is not a federal holiday since i jumped out of bed when I heard the trash truck on the street behind me this past Friday and I was off on Monday for a FEDERAL holiday. Guess I read the guidelines wrong when I signed up for my trash service.

Guess better not wait until the last minute once this goes into effect. I see a price change also.

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2011/01/22...

Mtnhomeless,

" we have one gal who says to trade healthcare for chickens,"

You need to direct your web browser to craigslist homeless, people are already bartering for legal, medical, and dental services and have been doing it since long before you or I were born.

"""But obviously, we've got to stand with our North Korean allies." {Sarah Palin} Nov. 24, 2010""

I guess if you want to compare an overpaid moron thinking an island will tip over to Palin mistaking North for South all I can say is whatever trips your trigger.

We could go back and forth for the rest of our lives comparing STUPID THING POLITICIANS SAY, won't change fact that THEY are spending our great grandchildrens income like drunken fools.

Councilman Schroeder, I hardly recognized you in that video. Maybe the council should do a video for the school district too? :-)

""It's not cheap having a video like that shot. That's why we raised the water rates. It got even more expensive because the mayor and I kept messing up the takes.

-- Posted by Councilman Schroeder on Thu, Jan 20, 2011, at 12:30 PM ""

Now THAT'S FUNNY I don't care who ya are :-)

It's not cheap having a video like that shot. That's why we raised the water rates. It got even more expensive because the mayor and I kept messing up the takes.

Let's watch as a couple of our more vocal bloggers sing us a song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhMepzqJv...

Kind of brings a tear to your eye, doesn't it?

It's already been stated and it's been in the national media that MHAFB is the preferred alternative. Its now up to the Saudi's if they want to spend $80b on this project.

http://www.ktvb.com/home/Mountain-Home-b...

I already posted a blog about this but I decided to post it here as well for those who don't read the blogs.

"We must leave Congress no option but repeal of ObamaCare by swamping Washington, D.C. with millions of our voices. Do your part today to repeal this disastrous law before it is too late." Mike Huckabee Go to the website and sign the petition: http://repealhealthcareact.org/

(Sorry I have to post this message at the end of my comments sometimes since people know where I work and fear that I steal company time writing blogs: At home from personal computer-off work on sick leave. Never posted from work on company time ever!)

GEE!!! Two items in todays blogs that aren't worth the time of day.

1 The clock in the park.

2 Obama

MsMarylin,

I ate corn flakes for breakfast this morning...

Wha wha wha????

my comment and her specific plea have NOTHING to do with the fact that ACORN has been caught in criminal activites over and over... INCLUDING voter registration fraud... AND if you took the time to read the entire story you would have read the portion addressing OBAMA's ties to ACORN

Just what did you smoke for breakfast this morning?

Just a little ACORN update for those that care to know how shady things REALLY are with this administration, and their liberal agenda. And it even came from yahoo so the whiners cant say it's a "Fox News sham"

http://news.yahoo.com/s/dailycaller/acor...

I'm totally disappointed. Where are all the little brains that love socialism? Why aren't you spouting off about how the big bad republicans caused the AZ congresswoman to be shot. That its all their fault and that the vitriol has gotten out of hand. None of you are starting a petition to stop the hate and ban talk radio? There has to be a limit on free speech. This is a really good time to be an opportunistic vulture and use this pain to try and stop points of view that you don't agree with. Lets see a march or a petition or a new anti-hate bill or something. We cant let free speech ruin this country. Mindlessly jump on board and get with the program you toe-the-party-line liberals. Freedom of speech for any view other that yours must be stopped!

Oh and lets do some gun banning while we're at it just for fun.

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%...

PLEASE TAKE TIME TO WATCH THIS BEAUTIFUL VIDEO. THERE IS A SPAGHETTI FEED AND BENEFIT FOR THE CHECKETTS FAMILY ON JANUARY 29TH AT THE ELKS LODGE HERE IN MOUNTAIN HOME AT 5PM

Bondyweb, you are probably correct. However, the fact that resources are being wasted on such a thing is a shame. The fees that P & Z charge do not cover all of the costs---we foot most of that bill.

As for the schools, a new School Board is needed and some of the 80K-100K top-heavy staff need to go. The wah wah wah of the MHSD is a bit old. Maybe hire a new money manager and take lessons from what McKenna has been able to do.

Many in this community are hurting but all most anyone wants (these taxing districs) is MORE money. What about all the money you folks raked in when times were good? Where did that go and how was it spent? 50% (or more) on staff pay and benefits. That is part of the problem right there.

OpinionMissy, about that huge housing development???? My uneducated guess is that development will unfold in a similar fashion to the big race track that was approved and maybe the nuclear plant. Anyone else have an opinion on this? Love to hear what you think.

Who in the heck thought it was a good idea to raise property taxes in a down market when property values are DOWN? Has anybody looked at their tax bills yet?

Our P & Z (according to this paper) is entertaining allowing a huge housing development to be built over the next 20 years. Do we really need more empty houses or short sales/bank owned homes to drive home values down more in this community? Let us think about the laws of supply and demand for a moment. Lower demand, cut supply. Pretty simple.

No businesses want to locate here? Why? Hmmmm. Someone gets paid a lot of money to figure that out. A good start might be it is expensive to live here for what we have.

Schools. Front page news that our schools are broke, the roofs leak and we cannot afford books for the schools because those that run the schools do not spend wisely or with a budget. Yes...please come and live here.

WECRD. We have been taxed for years and years and have nothing. The WECRD is projected to raise taxes EACH AND EVERY YEAR for the next 14 years by 3% per year (according to the CLDC budget documents) and it will be another 14 years or so before all you pool lovers see your pools! That is nearly 24 years of taxes before YOU get what was promised.

Yes, please come and live here where you can be taxed for nothing and your children can collect rain water while at school and have out-of-date books because the powers that be cannot work within a BUDGET. Oh, and when you do decide to maybe put a business here, you too can be taxed by the WECRD for your business AND home.

And we cannot understand why people are not flocking here!

Bearhunter, you think that is bad.. all those address changes done at least 3 years ago for our NEW E-911, those can't be found in a GPS or the Census Tracts Finder. My address changed 3 years ago and still no one can find it in GPS unless they put in the old address.. Hope I don't have an emergency.

Isn't Arkansas in the SEC?

So long 2010, and all your nuts with ya???

My apologies, replace "think" with "thing." Actually, think sorta works too.

MsMarylin,

Have a nice evening lady and keep warm :-)

What was that you just posted MsMarylin?

""Thank you sas212 for trying to STRAIGHTEN out the Homophobics that write here on the banter box (fear of gays and lesbians)

-- Posted by MsMarylin on Wed, Dec 29, 2010, at 3:24 PM ""

Mr.427539

No I don't work for the USPS however I to have seen this many times and I am sure there is a reason for it other then training someone. Perhaps this person is having a problem with his/her route and that's why the following of the mail truck

Well Golllllyyyy!

Those folks over at wikipedia are sure sharp. The term HETEROphobia is believed to be traceable back to the early 80's

Heterophobia describes reverse discrimination based on sexual orientation and implies an irrational fear of or aversion toward heterosexual people and institutions.

Woo Hoo! wonder what other wonderful words are out there waiting to be discovered to describe some of the unbelievable idiotic attitudes that exist in this world today.

Now pull your big girl panties up and quit crying wanting the whole world to change and coddle to your every emotional whim and mood swing.

Maybe go refill your prescription for prozac or whatever other mind altering chemical you have to take to make it through the day without getting told what an idiot you are by those who surround you.

Yup,

That's the new word for anyone who ATTACKS, BADGERS, BELITTLES, HARRASSES, or INSULTS people who have a different opinion than they do in regards to all of this don't ask don't tell lesbian, gay transgendered hubaloo.. They are "HETEROphobes" or "HETEROphobic"

Someone please ensure Wikipedia is updated to reflect the new words.

"You are correct I DON'T know and would rather not, at least that way I have some semblance of comfort in the assumption that the person next to me is not fantasizing about "activities" that involve ME." -- Posted by cant justwatch on Thu, Dec 30, 2010, at 8:11 AM

According to your statement above, CJW, it's pretty clear what a "flaming" bigot you are. You really must think you are quite the catch to assume that any and all homosexual men would find you attractive and uncontrollably "fantasize about activities" that involve you. Seriously? In fact, I'd be willing to bet that when you served it was quite the opposite, and probably included heterosexual women who had the distinct pleasure(?) of knowing you as well.

Mr.427539

They have always done this when training someone for the route

MsMarylin and sas212,

Interesting how you both chose to just IGNORE the point behind my posting, "homophobic" is just a made up word to try to label persons who disagree with your particular point of view, and as you saw "I" can make up words too. Are those words any less valid because they don't align with YOUR viewpoint?

Sas212,

YOUR COMMENT

""Have you ever asked a hetero female if it's HER preference to shower with a male?""

MY REPLY

Using your logic I have been with some very ODD women then because they ALWAYS seem to want to share the shower, and being the energy conscience guy that I am I do the right thing to conserve water and utilities.

YOUR COMMENT

""I know you said you were in the military so you obviously, at one time or another, showered in an open bay. Did you shower alongside a gay man? Don't know, do ya?

-- Posted by sas212 on Wed, Dec 29, 2010, at 4:12 PM ""

MY REPLY

You are correct I DON'T know and would rather not, at least that way I have some semblance of comfort in the assumption that the person next to me is not fantasizing about "activities" that involve ME.

Funny how that works I hear all the time women who complain about men "undressing them with their eyes" yet after all that whining and complaining NOW it seems perfectly acceptable to inflict something that you found so terrible on others and you do so with NO REMORSE, almost with a sickening joy about you. Maybe you aren't so interested in equality after all, maybe "payback" for some perceived social injustice?

MsMarylin,

""Here's a thought I haven't done any research on it but don't you think there are more crimes in the Military committed by straights then crimes that Gay's commit

-- Posted by MsMarylin on Wed, Dec 29, 2010, at 4:16 PM ""

Suggestion, and not meant to be rude just a suggestion... Might want to do some research because that is a pretty huge assumption. To make any determination like that would require statistics, and you would have to identify more accurate numbers for percentages than the LtCol. Out on base has suggested off the top of his head, unless he is privy to some super secret society that does track the numbers of gay/lesbian active duty service members. Bottom line it would have to be determined based on percentages.

Example: Assuming 650,000 service members total, based on the one officer's guess 65,000 are gay/lesbian that would be ten percent of the entire force. Next step would be to determine how many personnel within each group committed crimes and what crimes, let's just take sexual assault for example IF 650 persons within the gay/lesbian category were convicted of sexual assault that would be 1 percent. 6500 of the OTHER category would have to commit sexual assault to equate to the same 1 percent. See my point?

That is why when people start spouting their "FACTS" and poll numbers and statistics any more I laugh, numbers can be played with and skewed to fit ANY agenda, just look at Al the bore Gore and "global warming" HE GOT RICH! AND a nobel prize!

Speaking of raping I see that AEHI stock lost about 87% today. Ended at 8 cents. At least it was just all you greedy folks that got taken and not the rest of us in Elmore as well. Enjoy the slide down into the hundreds of a cent per share.

http://money.cnn.com/quote/quote.html?sy...

So let me get this straight, CJW, because the DADT act has been repealed and now OPENLY GAY males will be able to shower/live/fight alongside straight males(even though they have been already for many, many, MANY years) you say it is inequality because heterosexual males want to shower with females but aren't allowed to. Have you ever asked a hetero female if it's HER preference to shower with a male? I've never been asked; what about MY rights? I don't want to share a shower with a man and I don't know of any other woman that would want to. How is that equal?? THERE YOU MEN go again, assuming that what YOU want, WOMEN want also!!

You see, women use their brains to think with. God gave men a brain and a penis and only enough blood to use one at a time.

Ut ohhh...did I embarrass you by saying the 'P' word?

CJW

I never said I was gay. I've been married for 26 years. But I do have friends and family that are gay. And what Ms. Marilyn said in an earlier post; what if it were your child, grandchild that were gay and being bullied, ridiculed, prejudiced against or being called a 'fruit salad' by someone like you? How would that make you feel?

I know you said you were in the military so you obviously, at one time or another, showered in an open bay. Did you shower alongside a gay man? Don't know, do ya?

Just a friendly news flash!!!! I know of 3 houses that have been either broken into/attempted to break into in the last week of co-workers in the 10th North area. One house was trashed with owner sleeping downstairs, the other 2 houses we attempted break-ins but dogs inside the houses stop the persons from entering. Have a great day!

sas212,

Ummm sure... if you say so. so you are confident on your understanding of what a pedophile is then obviously? Beastiality?

MsMarylin,

I am certain you will be one of the first ones in line using that new "catch phrase" PEDOphobic to describe those who "discriminate" against pedophiles correct? or how about BEASTIOphobic?

Just because someone comes up with a new word (which was done around 1974 by the way) it does not somehow instantly excuse innapropriate behavior and no matter how much you try you will NOT silence me in regards to this by trying to label me with some "discriminatory" label.

AND I SAY AGAIN DO AS YOU PLEASE IN REGARDS TO YOUR PREFERENCES BUT DO IT BEHIND CLOSED DOORS!! IF YOU CANNOT AGREE TO THAT THEN PEOPLE LIKE ME WILL ALWAYS STAND UP AND REMIND YOU WHERE YOUR SEXUAL ACTIVITIES AND PREFERENCES BELONG.

Thank you sas212 for trying to STRAIGHTEN out the Homophobics that write here on the banter box (fear of gays and lesbians)

No, CJW; unlike you who is searching for whatever it is that you search for, this article came to my attention from a friend of mine; a gay friend. One whom I've loved dearly since I first met her in our first grade class. Yes, undoubtedly,(according to you and others on here), where she 'learned' how to be gay. It MUST have been in school where she learned it because she was never in the military.

Oh, and by the way, she also has her Masters Degree in psychology and currently helps Veterans across the nation with their disability insurance. OH MY!! YOU MAY HAVE SPOKEN TO HER ON THE PHONE!!! Imagine that!

pfft.

sas212,

What do you do, sit around all day searching the word "gay" online and looking for more interesting articles or friends? LOL

There was a time when the dictionary defined "gay" quite a bit different than what is implied in today's society....

Brenda Fincher BusMgr MHNews,

Sorry I missed your post you put it up as I was busy ranting away typing mine :-) Please accept my my apologies

AtomicDog,

I have todays printed paper and didn't see it. Maybe some at the MHN bought some stock and they are still licking their wounds so to speak LOL...

On another note anyone see this:

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2010/12/29/...

Pretty sad when a media outlet in Denmark has the courage to print satire about the Muslim deity yet here in the US the world's Military Super Power NO, NONE, NOTTA, ZILCH. Not a single media source in the US has the courage (even south park wimped out), they have no problem publishing satire about Jesus, and any other religion or even NON-religion as far as that goes.

But where are they when it comes to making light of a religion that encourages killing innocent people through their own religious readings (quran/koran however you spell it)??????

Come on you supporters of EQUALITY! WHERE ARE YOUR BIG ARROGANT COMMENTS NOW? OR IS IT OK WHEN **YOU** OR **YOUR RELIGION** ARE THE BIGOTS AND RACISTS???

What has the world come to!? If it is time to take up arms against tyranny again so be it! I am in! What was it Thomas Jefferson said?

"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots AND tyrants."

The US has won wars by being sure the LATTER of those two spilled the most blood!

Man And woman Pro Creat = Life anything else is a wast of time and just a Humans atempt at justafacation of sickness, Love it or leave it.

Think about it...homosexuality, like chastity, is not hereditary.

CJW You better be careful you never know what the future will bring :) Sons, Daughters, Grand kids.....You can never say it won't happen unless you don't have any children :)

"CJW You must of had a bad experience in the Military concerning gay's ?

-- Posted by MsMarylin on Tue, Dec 28, 2010, at 11:34 AM "

You are correct in that assumption MsMarylin, as I explained to sas212 I had the misfortune of being the one to drive the young lady (18 yo)to the hospital who had been sexually assualted by FOUR females one of them her "senior enlisted advisor" I suppose if you have never seen that look of complete and total mental destruction and loss of worth in the eyes of a young woman you would never understand. So am I tainted/biased because of my own life's experiences? YES I AM! If that makes me a bad person so be it.

how about sharing your personal experiences that drive YOUR viewpoint, YOUR belief that the changes will all be peachy and wonderful.

CJW You must of had a bad experience in the Military concerning gay's ?

MsMarylin,

Well there ya go. A poll of 1000 "random" people according to the Washington post-ABC

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/pol...

"25. Do you think [half sample: homosexuals / half sample: gays and lesbians] who DO publicly disclose their sexual orientation should be allowed to serve in the military or not?

Yes No No opinion

12/12/10 77 21 2

2/8/10* 75 24 1

7/13/08 75 22 3

1/15/01 62 35 3

5/23/93 44 55 2"

I guess those "random" 1000 people should decide how the rest of the country and our Military should live, never mind what the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines think. Heck they just VOLUNTEERED to risk their lives for us AND DID SO UNDER THE DON'T ASK DON'T TELL POLICY.

OK I am satisfied let's do it. Can we next ask 1000 people "randomly of course" if we should implement "no panty Thursday" nationwide? I will be sure to make those calls and "randomly" call frat houses and military male service members nationwide. ( point being if you target the right audience you can get any results you desire)

OK No matter which side your opinion falls on THAT is pretty funny.

Link to the actual military times poll results.

http://militarytimes.com/xml/news/2010/0...

One word for you folks.... LIARS! Not the "over 60%" you claimed in favor is it?

Someone please tell me again about prejudice and bias, and bigots.....

Then crawl back under your dishonest little hateful corrupt rock you came from and leave the rest of us working class AVERAGE Americans to live our lives the way we see fit and let us have some peace to raise our families with some values WE believe in instead of trying so hard to corrupt and warp the minds of our children and grandchildren with your hate filled lies wrapped up in cries of "equality and fairness"

Bottom line I will say it again, WHAT YOU DO BEHIND CLOSED DOORS IS YOUR OWN BUSINESS AS LONG AS YOU DO IT WITHIN THE LAWS OF THIS COUNTRY I.E. LEGAL ADULTS.

That being said... KEEP IT BEHIND CLOSED DOORS AND QUIT TRYING TO MAKE IT MAIN STREAM AMERICA FOR YOUR OWN SELF FULLFILLMENT OR TO IMPROVE YOUR OWN SELF WORTH!

Hmmmm,,

In THIS poll 63% AGAINST repeal of DADT

http://www.thirdage.com/news/dadt-survey...

MORE OPPOSITION

http://www.suite101.com/content/military...

ANOTHER NOT SO FLATTERING ARTICLE WITH POLL RESULTS ...

http://tank.nationalreview.com/post/?q=Z...

LOL That gosh darn CJW callin us out on our "opinions" again.....

Folks should think before spouting hateful biased pro liberal trash. I never stated I was opposed to gays in the military I DID state I support the current policy and why I support it, of course the liberal "haters" on here chose to attack me and try to label me as "prejudice" in a sorry attempt to silence me instead of considering FACTS and considering more than just their OWN opinions!

Please oh experts of the mountain home news blog, share with me where you retrieved these statistics of yours?

Was this 60% of the Air Force

60% of the admin staff in DC?

60% of?????

And scoutin are you now the one who decides what is right or wrong for the military? YOU are the majority now? somehow I doubt it.

I made my comments and arguments and statements and stand behind them, none were "stereotypical prejudices" contrary to how sas212 wishes to portray them since I called her out on HER attempts to show bias and prejudice in her postings, and I too served my country, and retired not that long ago.

Countrydweller says: "One major thing has changed. Homosexuals hopefully will now be honest with the people they serve with. Homosexuals are suppose to have my back when they wernt even being honest with their brother soldiers?"

-------------

Like they had a choice? Homosexuals wanted to serve their country and in order to do that they had to keep their orientation to themselves.

Did you want them to be honest with you so that they could get kicked out? Give me a break.

Checking out your package? What makes you think your so hot they couldn't resist?

I have heard these comments time and again and it's getting really old. First off, very few bases have open showers and open-bay barracks any more. The services boot camps still have them as they are more expedient, that's it.

It's time we all started thinking of gays and lesbians as human beings with a variety of interests, intelligence, talents, empathy, loyal and being courageous just like you and me. The only difference is their orientation, but it's just a part of them as our heterosexual orientation is.

Do I have the right to say anything? You bet. I served 3 years in the Marine Corps and 9 years in the Air Force and I still work for DoD.

Are any of you making this argument in the military?? Because I am, and Im with the over 60% who dont care. The military did a poll with us before this went to Congress since its such a hot issue. And if theres a more versitile/diverse group of people in this country its the military, so let "us" deal with it as we always have, by adapting and over coming. Honestly we dont care about your race/gender/sexual preference... what we care about is, will you stand next to us and lay down your life for your country if asked to, thats all, nothing more. These arguments all of you are making have been made time and time again, in foxholes, towers, and convoy trucks... and it always comes back to one statment.. we dont care, as long as you will defend your country and brother/sister in arms when the time comes.

CJW,

Ok, I'll stop with that thread. I understand your point and opinion and respect it. I don't agree with it but that's my opinion.

"Have gay and lesbian persons served in the military for years, for generations?? Of course and I am certain many of them LEARNED that behavior while IN THE MILITARY."

REALLY?

CJW,

No, you totally missed my point. IN MY OPINION, Nothing has changed by repealing the don't ask, don't tell act but the fact that gay men and women may now openly say they are gay without repurcussion. They have been serving in the military since the military has been around. Get it?? Why haven't you addressed this point in your comments? Because it's FACT.

The only reason I capitalized the word STRAIGHT was to emphasize the fact that it was NOT a GAY person that raped the airman as you were alluding to in your post of the four that raped and assaulted the airman you spoke of. You did not say if they were gay or straight; but you were alluding and therefore trying to bias your reader into believing they were gay. Get it? We could go back and forth on this but I'm done because I think I have made my point quite clear.

Thanks for your time.

The point is that coed habitation should be the norm then. If people are assigned to live with people that are attracted to them then there should be no assignments according to sex. It should just be a lottery of all names no matter what sex or sexual orientation. Whoever you end up with you end up with. THAT would be live and let live. What you are suggesting is live and let only one way of thinking live. Gay people are no more or less inclined to be good people than straight people. Stop stereotyping.

This seems to bring up all sorts of questions rather than definitive answers. Is it right for a straight person to have to shower/cohabitate with a gay person? Is it right for a gay person to have to shower/cohabitate with another gay person that they aren't interested in? If a gay person has to shower with the same sex gay person then we seem to be at a point where everyone will have to shower together, or alone, to make things fair. Which should be a relief to homophobes because they won't have to shower with homosexuals anymore.

The right to serve openly will not all of a sudden make homosexuals' hormones jump all over the place.

You share restrooms with homosexuals and probably don't realize it- and in many public restrooms the urinals are out in the open.

Maybe back in the day, when homosexuality in general was very frowned upon it was an issue, but according to a June AF times article, over 80 percent of active duty service members have no problem with knowing of gay coworkers.

On a lighter note- Happy Holidays everyone!

Happy Festivus

Moanah,

You also have to remember there is a difference between County Deputies and city Police Officers. They are two seperate entities with completely different budgets. If you hold them in the same basket, I can understand why you think there are a lot more "Police" cars than needed.

I also will have to agree with Weebro, there is better care of vehicle maintenance, and better response time. If every officer had to meet at work there would be more gas usage just to swap vehicles out for shift change. For County Personnel, you would have to consider the fact that they have to patrol all of Elmore County, which would mean a long drive for many staff to get back to the office.

The County saves money by having those Deputies that live in their perspective areas patrol their areas. They keep their vehicles and all they have to do is jump in their car and start working.

Good question though! There is nothing wrong with ensuring that funds are properly used in an advantageous manner.

sas12,

Your comment:

"The fact that the 4 did not receive jail time is not the fault of the GAY or STRAIGHT accused-it is obviously a fault of those in charge."

Have to question WHY you emphasized the fact that a STRAIGHT guy committed a rape in your previous post then?

**Sexual assault is sexual assault regardless of the sexual orientation of the perpetrator.

Your Comment YOUR POINT:

"Being able to serve openly as a gay man or woman in the military as opposed to having to live and serve hiding who you are is the point being made here...at least it's MY point."

I AGREE 100% with the concept of equality and being able to make their own life decisions, now what about those whose life decisions are in conflict? I.E. those active duty service members whose religious beliefs tell them homosexuality is a sin, do THEIR values not have merit or meaning any more? What makes THEM less important at this point? YOUR OPINION? THE OPINION OF A GROUP OF VERY LIBERAL POLITICIANS WHO ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THEIR DECISION?

The point I was trying to emphasize with my comments in regards to living arrangements is very simple. You may not find it offensive that someone who openly professes to enjoy sexual relations with a member of their own sex lives in close proximity to you and can observe you undressed/bathing. Does YOUR opinion or comfort level with this apply to everyone? What gives you or these politicians the right to inflict this "social experiment" on men and women who have volunteered to lay down their lives for this country?

Moanah,

I think it would be better to question why some city workers/officials are allowed to take vehicles home everyday. We have a city worker that lives near us and we have seen him at his house with a city vehicle both during the day and at night. Personally, I have no issues with a plice officer taking a vehicle home but I do understand your concern.

I don't care who you want to have sex with...but, please, quit telling me I have to appreciate and accept your choice. I really don't give a hoot. However, I will actively resist anybody's attempt to force their will upon me without reason or consent.

sas212,

I believe the meaning is very clear, if you believe it is acceptable for OPENLY gay men and women to express their sexual preferences OPENLY and at the same time cohabitate in an environment where other members of the armed services are required as part of their existence there to undress and bathe sometimes OPENLY in plain sight of persons who have OPENLY expressed their sexual preference for members of the same sex. Then it is just as acceptable and EQUAL for a hetero male who expresses his sexual preference for members of the opposite sex to be permitted to OPENLY cohabitate with them and enjoy the view. CLEAR ENOUGH?

And as far as your story I PERSONALLY drove the young 18yo female servicemember to the hospital after she was RAPED by not one but three of her female barracks mates and her senior enlisted advisor (female) all four of those who commited the RAPE were quietly transferred so as to not bring a bad light onto the service. Those four received NO JAIL TIME, is that fair? Pretty much any and every person who has ever served in uniform has a story or two to share.

It still just AMAZES me that these liberal pukes who mostly have never served a day in uniform have decided what is best for the military on this.

I intend to let every active duty military person I know that it is now their right and responsibility to move into the berthing/barracks/dorm room of their choosing so they may cohabitate with whichever member of whichever sex they choose to watch them dress/undress and bathe on a daily basis.

THEN THEY TOO WOULD HAVE THE SAME RIGHTS AS THOSE "gay men and women serving openly in the military"

CORRECT?

"scoutin" I didn't realize my kids were that deprived.

That's the Urban Legend that I've always heard. That Taco Bell can't come here cause one of the city council members owns Taco Johns. It's not true. I just meant it tongue in cheek.

That the City of Mountain Home keeps out competing franchises has got to be the biggest and oldest local urban legend I have ever encountered. When I moved here in 1990, it was McDonalds that had been kept out at the behest of the "powers that be." Since then, it has morphed over and over into whatever the needed item is. Tim Bondy and I had a great conversation about this one day after he wrote a piece on his excellent blog on this very topic:

http://bondyweb.com/idaho-business-news/...

http://bondyweb.com/idaho-business-news/...

While I tire of hearing about it, I understand how virulent these legends can be, and so I join AtomicDog in his challenge to you:

Name One.

Just one, that this city council denied.

I don't even need the date, or the transaction, or anything else. Just name the franchise, or business, that was denied entry into this city. To the extent it will be worth anyone's time to further address this well-worn legend, I will follow up with the answer.

"scoutin": You said the commissions are "not willing to let franchise/licensed businesses in to compete with local businesses. The commissions only allowing non-tax paying organizations/businesses in instead."

Any chance you could explain this statement in more detail?

Here is a holiday email I got. I love these as they are happy and fun. Thanks for the other shares. B

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4_EdJ-Xk...

A little info from ther Statesman on AEHI today:

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2010/12/20...

More from Virginia:

http://roanoke.com/news/ronanoke/wb/2711...

Old Guy:

Only comments I remember were right here on the BB and there is alot of them.

The cold must have frozen my brain. I thought I saw on article on the Mt Home News site about AEHI and the recent developments. But now I cannot find it anywhere, even when I did a search. Am I the only one that noticed this?

Lifetime, I suppose it's possible but we'll probably never know. Anyone or entity that didn't research AEHI and was in support of them won't want anything investigated.

Thank You Atomicdog......So is it fair to say that people in our town and surrounding areas were paid by him to take a stand and support him and his bogus nuke plant?? Or promised some kind of financial kickback??

Maybe someone was close to outing him and that is why they moved on to target another community!!

Said P&Z Commission Member asked if he he should recuse himself and it is in the meeting minutes, and he was advised that snce he has no financial ties or interests to this project he did not have to recuse himself. KC Duerig is a very knowledgable man who has been on that Commission for a number of years. While I may not agree with him on this particular choice, he has done alot of good on the P&Z.

While I am overjoyed for you folks being able to gloat, and would praise god if I wernt a pagan, isn't there bigger issues here? What procedural changes will be made by local government and news outlets to protect this community from another scam? The P&Z board member that spoke on behalf of AEHI should have recused himself from the issue after that. He didn't and should be permanently recused from the P&Z board. If a person wants to serve on a board such as that they need to realize that it is at a minimum inappropriate to speak on behalf of a company that was so questionable and had numerous red flags waved over its proposal. As should of the chairman of the P&Z board. What safegaurds will be put in place for the next time?

CivicMinded:

Would you believe me if I said I did?

Watch and learn. It is always about the money. Follow the money and the greed. Still waters run deep---Mountain Home is no different. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is (run, and run fast).

Many names will be exposed before this is over. Don is about to play "save my tail" for less time...

This is better than any daytime TV.

CivicMinded:

You must own stock. In order for there to be slander/libel statements must be false. Ms. Ireland admitted in a public hearing that she was "working closely" with Don G./AEHI. KC Durig had darn near a temper tantrum at a public hearing over all of this.

When members of P & Z testify at a public hearing for which they are involved and will at some point have to vote, there is a problem.

The important thing in all of this is that those who were against this because of what AEHI and its leaders are were RIGHT. I guess the SEC also agreed.

Officer shot in Nampa

http://www.ktvb.com/news/Officer-shot-in...

In regards to the Lady in Red's comments posted by OpinionMissy,

..." Courtney Hiler/Ireland and Durig were both out for the money---that is no secret to anybody who ever attended a hearing on some of this garbage..."

"So Courtney and Casey...how great is your hero now? Was the money worth it? The truth always has a way of making it out..."

You might take a look at the terms of service you signed when you registered to use this site.

A good lawyer might be able to make a case for public libel.

In consideration for being allowed to use the Community Forums, you agree that the following actions shall constitute a material breach of these Terms and Conditions:

* Do not post obscene, profane, sexually explicit, "libelous", slanderous, defamatory, harmful, threatening, illegal or "knowingly false information";

Some of the AEHI LTE's and editorials. It's funny how the issue of whether or not they were a reputable company was always taken at face value and never investigated except by the hate mongers and naysayers. Money money money. How much is that stock worth now? Hopefully with the fraud charges that came down today there will be an extensive investigation into what local officials owed how much stock.

http://www.mountainhomenews.com/story/15...

http://www.mountainhomenews.com/story/16...

http://www.mountainhomenews.com/story/16...

http://www.mountainhomenews.com/story/15...

http://www.mountainhomenews.com/story/15...

http://www.mountainhomenews.com/story/15...

http://www.mountainhomenews.com/story/15...

http://www.mountainhomenews.com/story/15...

http://www.mountainhomenews.com/story/15...

http://www.mountainhomenews.com/story/14...

cjw - we'll all be surprised if any AEHI supporters admit to being wrong, even after being presented with the facts from the start.

Well GOLLY shucks and whadya know.... you mean the redneck knucklehead, narrow minded hate mongers that opposed this shady group from the beginning were correct? well GOLLLLYYYY!!!!

where are you PaulRevere? All those nasty comments and attacks last year, verbally lashing out at any and all that opposed this mess, even bragging about how much you expected to profit off of it as you "put Mountain Home in your rearview mirror". How did that work out for you? ROFLMAO!!!!!! Who says Karma doesn't work!

Our County P & Z has sold this community out in the name of money for many, many years. Courtney Hiler/Ireland and Durig were both out for the money---that is no secret to anybody who ever attended a hearing on some of this garbage. It will be interesting to see some of the names that come out in all of this. I would venture to guess that some well known local names could come to light.

So Courtney and Casey...how great is your hero now? Was the money worth it? The truth always has a way of making it out. This time shall be no different. Hang your heads in shame. Thank you to the folks that fought so hard to get the info to the SEC. A crook is a crook is a crook no matter what kind of suit or MIT diploma he claims to have (and lied about).

Lady In Red

Weight in as far as all the people that spoke as P&Z members past and present or officials of one sort or another and put the weight of their positions behind this farce. Maybe we shouldn't be so quick to whore out the community to a promise of jobs and money. To compromise ones integrity for a nuclear plant or the latest fad, potential terrorists, is a shame. No limits to the greed for money though. Everybody pucker up and prepare to kiss some Saudi booty so we can get some jobs.

So are all the AEHI cheerleaders going to apologize for hyping something they obviously knew nothing about? Is the P&Z board and the Commissioners and Casey and Courtney going to apologize for not looking into something before they get up in a public forum and make fools out of themselves and lend their weight to a scam? All the tax payer money that was misspent and the hours and hours of meetings chasing a scam that a lot of people had warned about from the beginning. Maybe its a good idea to maybe make a comp plan and then stick to it? You know actually have the intestinal fortitude to stand by your policies? I don't know maybe rolling with whichever way the wind blows is the way to go though. Although the two most gutless commissioners were shown the door in the last election.

Whew! am starting to think that was one heck of a bullet we dodged with this AEHI thing... comments?opinions?

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2010/12/14...

""The federal securities regulator took suspended trading through Dec. 28 due to questions it has "about the accuracy and adequacy of publicly disseminated information concerning...the stock sales of certain AEHI officers."

The SEC also has questions about the status and viability of the company's funding, as well as its executive compensation.""

jdvann,

I agree. Fred Meyer is very organized. I do like going in there because of that. I did notice they are a bit higher in prices and that can be challenging at times like these. If we could take walmart prices and combine it with Fred Meyer organization and cleanliness we would have a nice store to shop in.

For all the WRECD supporters and the whole "DREAM" of it OR the YMCA being self sustaining in THIS TINY community here is a link to the Boise Guardian and an article about how the city of Caldwell with their HUGE population and how they are trying to dump MILLIONS into the local YMCA to keep that fiasco afloat... See the principle of YMCA is great but like every other good thing they have become corrupt and bloated and much like a government entity themselves...

http://boiseguardian.com/2010/12/06/more...

Curious to know if there's another church moving into the old Salvation Army Building?

We had a K Mart once, let's say they didn't give us (MH) their best effort and they were quickly crushed by Wal-Mart. This Wal-Mart, is like any other...The only store that really stands out is Fred Meyers, their product displays are well organized and the racks are nicely lit, but generally higher priced.

@snafu--on my part, it isn't hate. I don't hate anyone. It is totally the fact that Saudi Arabia has known terrorists ties. Whether they are our "allies" right now isn't even a point because the term "ally" is loosely used on their part, I believe. This foreign entity living on our base(community), flying armed jets--not a comfortable feeling!! Again, it's the Principal of the thing!

I did not miss the point, thank you, and I do know what diplomatic immunity is. At some point, their high up muckety-mucks will be here---to give their blessings, etc. That is when the real fun will begin and where the real money will flow from.

Not much different than what Obama wants for the US. He wants us to be a Muslim nation that dislikes any other race, etc. With all of the churches in town...a mosque is not far from reality. Maybe they will build it on Airbase Road right near the airport---easy way to get the "important" folks in and out in a hurry and before we figure out there is anything wrong. Oh wait, they will have fighter jets, fully armed to make a get away with. Who needs a stinking airport anyway when you can skip the TSA garbage and just take a jet!

Do you elected folks think before you do stupid stuff or do you just do things and worry about the outcome later? Or, do you worry at all?

Read these articles for some more about our 'ally', a government that exen executes children

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/law/2010/nov/2...

http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2010/10/09/ir...

The links below got messed up. Here are the correct ones:

http://www.walrusmagazine.com/articles/2...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxmBp23W6...

Everything we've ever fought against. A brutal, barbaric, repressive regime under which women are property, whose lives are worth half those of men and a nation that refused to adopt the Universal Declaration of Human rights.

Not here.

The Saudis are coming to Mtn. Home

http://www.commerce.idaho.gov/news/2010/...

MsMarylin,

I wouldn't say they are dumb at all, they tend to be some very well educated and influential people from society's "upper crust" The "dumb" ones are those who blindly listen to campaign speeches and promises (mostly lies and manufactured tales).

Consider Bill Clinton, he BLATANTLY lied in front of Congress in regards to his sexual activities with Monica Lewinsky .... No middle ground about it he LIED and then this so called intelligent man when caught stated something along the lines of "OH YOU MEANT THAT.... I DIDN'T REALIZE THAT WAS CONSIDERED SEXUAL" What the heck was it a new form of golf!!!

Now Rangel in New York, and don't forget the prior Mayor of Washington DC the cesspool where ALL the nasty snakes play, or the prior Mayor of Detroit what was his name Kwame Kilpatrick ?

Like I said all of those mentioned would take and spend your money and mine as freely as we breathe.. all the while lying through their teeth and telling us all how they were "looking out for us" and protecting us from those "evil rich republcans"

Fact is they are ALL crooks! republicrooks and demoRATS the major difference I have always noted stands true today as it always has.

Both parties are always looking for ways to tax us all and take our money, the major difference is:

republiCROOKS seem to understand the fact that if we are all too broke to take money from their gravy train is cut off, so they want businesses to thrive and prosper that way they can take their money this month/year and next.

The demoRATS on the other hand just keep taking and taking without regard to how we will make money in the future for them to take the next month/year. THAT PART MAKES THEM VERY VERY STUPID.

julygirl,

if you are going to attack one political party or another based on financial wealth how about going after the one having the majority of the wealth?

http://www.forbes.com/2002/10/29/cx_dd_r...

demoRATS are in the lead, at least in the top ten wealthiest politicians. They run on at the mouth a lot about the evil "rich" people but obviously arent giving away their own money. They would just prefer to take YOURS and spread it around while feeding you lies and propaganda.

Hey ! Look At this :D

http://www.ktvb.com/news/Two-upscale-gro...

The Republicans managed a victory today in not having the Bush tax cuts expire for those making over $250,000 a year. The White House compromised but I don't think it was a good deal for the American people. What do you think?

What do the Rich do with their money?

http://www.artmarketmonitor.com/2010/06/...

So much for the "trickle down" effect.

You all should have shoveled your side walks by now...please come and do mine. Oh, wait...it's melted already. Back to Oprah.

So very Sad !

Elizabeth Edwards says Goodbye

http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_theticket/...

Great. Now if some white trash racist gets a Swastika, a spiderweb or any other racist tattoo and believe enough in being a racist to not get it covered up prior to committing their crime, we have to pay for them to hide it when they go to trial.

http://ricochet.com/main-feed/Before-You...

All I can say is WOW. I didn't know it would become such a debate with me trying to point out that you are responsible for keeping your sidewalks up and that does by chance mean shoveling snow. I know on some streets like American Legion it might be almost impossible but for the most part most every sidewalk should be done.

Ho, ho, ho. ROTFLMBO. The sidewalk comedy cracks me up. Joy To The World.

My comment had nothing to do with your stance on issues, like I said. I shovel my walk and had no complaints about plowing and sanding efforts. I also donate regularly and about hit the floor when I saw my tax bills. And, of course I have no idea what your involvement with the community is, I have no idea who you are. It doesn't matter, this has nothing to do with any of that. I just thought it was funny that it bothered you that some folks were complaining when you do it too. And you're welcome. :)

Opinion Missy's blog must have poor readership numbers or we wouldn't have to read her constant carping in this BB.

Has anybody heard that there is a budget crisis? Prices are higher which means services are less---if NOT...our taxes go up.

When we lived in town. we were told that we should not only shovel our drive and the walk but half-way into the street (in other words one lane). If everybody (who can) did their part, it would make the job of those who have to plow much easier and this would be a non issue.

Do we really have nothing more pressing to complain about like maybe the fact that the food banks do not have enough food to serve those who are hungry? Or how about the fact that there are children in this community with no jackets/hats/gloves. Ot how about the seniors, who due to tax increases, cannot afford to live here any longer? How about the fact that we have paid taxes to a district that does nearly nothing for this community---but takes YOUR money.

Really folks! It is the holiday season. Be glad that you have a home and your largest worry seems to be the fact that a plow has not made it down your streets. At least you have a home...it is better than what many in this community have.

Perhaps the senior center could be open on Christmas Eve (volunteers could work it/staff it) and a holiday meal could be served for those who do NOT have anything and are hungry. Donations could be obtained for the food needed.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. We can use the moisture/water. Be thankful for the "small" things in life and give back to your community so that it can give back to you.

I had to call to get them to plow the streets by the High School because people were getting stuck trying to pick up their kids after school, c'mon that's the job their paid to do and I should'nt have to call for it to be plowed, it's a school for crying out loud, should be a priority.

OOPS...it should read "shut your piehole Wang-chung". Sorry about the spelling/grammatical error. Thank you.

Having dealt with Code Enforcement before, the snow will melt before they require an occupant to remove the snow. I may be simple of mind, but it seems to me all the Code Enforcement Section needs to do is take a section of town each day and drive around handing out notices. I counted about 15 to 20 houses between my house and Airbase Rd (distance 1.5 miles). Imagine all the revenue that could be created.

I'm not trying to make a war of words here. Drivers want the streets plowed and expect it well people who walk want and expect the sidewalks to be shoveled. At least it doesn't cost you anything but a little bit of time to shovel when it costs the city to go out and plow the streets. I guess the best answer is for everyone to hope this is the last of the snow for the winter then drivers and those who walk will all be happy. Hope everyone has a merry christmas and a great 2011.

When the city starts plowing/sanding my street I'll shovel the public sidewalk in front of my house,my son shovels our walkway and driveway. Plus, it keeps the guy that lets his dog crap in my yard on the other side of the street, haha

Transplanted,

Here is a link to the City code. There is no time frame to remove the snow after a snowfall but once given notice, the occupant has not more than 24 hours to remove the snow.

http://www.sterlingcodifiers.com/codeboo...

As for the streets, last year I found out that if you call the Streets Department and request a plow for your street, they might get to it. We called several times last year and never saw a plow at all.

And a word of advice for when you do shovel, don't throw it in the street. On the off chance your street is plowed, guess where all that snow will end up? Yep, right back on your sidewalk.

Unfortunatly I had to go out again today and I see most of the people in this town still have yet to shovel thier sidewalks. Makes it very difficult for those who have to walk. Get with the program people, SHOVEL YOUR SIDEWALKS. You are required to do so. Do most of you NOT know this. The snow fell yesterday so there should not be a snow covered sidewalk out there today except maybe where the homes are sitting empty.

justthefactsplease:

So I'm slightly in the dark with all of the AEHI/nuke stuff around here (and sorry if it's either sensitive or totally old news to people). But I must admit that the blogs you linked to are pretty disturbing, though really funny/snarky & informative-especially the links and extra info). I don't really get what the prob is...because I've read through everthing and it seems pretty obvious. This is some stock scam being passed off as a real biz???

My brother-in-law says they should be called 'weather guessers'. lol They're only human I suppose. I'm looking forward to playing in the snow with the kids today....

yesterday's forecast-- "snow accumulation of less than an inch possible"

todays pandemonium-- "2-4 inches with the possibility of up to 5 inches in some areas"

ya know, I personally don't think today's weather forecasters could forecast a fart in a chili cook-off...just my opinion

I wanted to send out the most heart-felt thanks to the city and county workers who have been wonderful during these snowdays! The interstate was wonderful compared to what I found hitting Gooding County and beyond on Thursday. There were too many snow-ice covered pieces of highway, more than should have been! Then into the city of Twin Falls was horrible. It looked like there was no attempt to clear the roads. On Thanksgiving, perhaps I expected too much, but we drove through that city and it was dangerous! I couldn't believe it! Little Mtn Home's workers are alert & out as soon as possible & clearing the roads and if it is snowing more, there are trucks out sanding everywhere. I saw very little sanded intersections in that bigger city. I began to wonder if there was a city-county worker strike! We almost ended our holiday at an intersection in T.F. as our car slide to the intersection. Though we had prepared by slowing down well in time but our car kept sliding. Cars were driving through and it would have been a bad scene if the car hadn't stopped in time. If we were not paying attention and driving too fast, that would have been a bad accident with several lives at risk.

Granted, we had snow-covered icy roads on the Interstate on Sat. and it was snowing most of the day so my family day was called off. My older children in Nampa and Boise stayed home at my advice. That is understandable. But early on Sunday, I could hear the big city trucks plowing roads down my street on N. Haskett, mot even a main street! These workers work tirelessly and we should all be sending them a big thanks. There efforts save countless lives! We are blessed to live in this city and county! I also want to send an extra big thanks to the men who work for the courthouse properties. You are the greatest! You are there early clearing the parking lot. My ramp up to the back door was cleared and I was at work early. There work saves so many people from being injured. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

LOVED the poem Bearhunter!! :-)

Bearhunter:

Nice post. It made me laugh. Thank you. I hope everyone has a nice Thanksgiving.

Please remember that the food banks in our area could sure use some help. Someplace in this town there is a hungry child that would love that can of soup that you may not like. Christmas is just around the corner. The need is likely to grow.

Have a nice holiday all.

Midea - I actually composed this this morning while making some of our dishes for tomorrow after a mouse ran across the kitchen floor, up the chair and onto the table. Insolent little bugger, he's gone now! Anyway, hope you enjoyed!

Twas the night before Thanksgiving and all through the house

not a creature was stirring except for the mouse.

The brown furry rodent was up to no good

as he sprang up to the counter to devour the food.

He nibbled and tasted the pie set to cool

the trap he stayed clear of because he was no fool.

The cranberry jelly was hard to resist

and the Wonderbread stuffing was next on his list.

He cavorted and scurried and jumped to and fro

because next to the gravy was the bean casserole.

Candied yams and mashed taters

and rolls and mince pie,

he looked at the feast with a gleam in his eye.

"It's really all mine and it's mine all alone so I'll just keep on eating till nary a bone".

And what to his wondering eyes did appear but a

big ol' fat turkey the size of a deer.

His whiskers they twitched as he contemplated his fate.

"I'll just crawl inside for who needs a plate!"

The rear-end was stitched with no possible way in

so around to the front he took a short spin.

Only one thing did stand between him and his feast

bread stuffing was blocking the inside of the beast.

He pondered and puzzled and the light bulb came on

"I'll eat my way through till the stuffing is gone!"

So he ate and he ate until he couldn't eat more

and lo and behold he had created a mouse door!

When he got clear inside he continued his feast

which was clearly intended as the Who's roast beast.

He ate and he ate till he could eat no more

and suddenly realized he couldn't get out through the door.

And since he was no longer able to look at his lap

he settled right down for a long midnights nap.

He drifted right off to that carbohydrate heaven

when suddenly was awakened by an alarm set for 7:00.

As the oven door opened and the turkey slid in

he realized too late of his glutinous sin.

He pushed and he shoved and he wiggled but alas;

the pies and the stuffing had gone straight to his

...!

He ate and he ate until he couldn't possibly eat more

and was now way to fat to get back out the door!

The moral of this story and please take the tip

if your gonna have pie, leave off the Cool whip!

I live about two miles from the school and had no problem driving yesterday or today...in fact, I'm almost willing to bet RM would not have closed had they waited to see if conditions matched the prediction. Until about 5:30 yesterday, the roads were pretty much clear. As much as I would have appreciated these days off, the weather didn't warrant it. Subzero temperatures don't close schools unless they pose a serious danger to the transportation of children.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. And to start the "holiday" debate once again---happy holidays to all. Enjoy the time with family and friends. God bless everyone.

Please give as you can to the food banks. Hungry people in this community is hard to think about. Give as you can.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE, Wish everyone has a very nice day with friends/family. Don't eat to much LOL

I don't live too far from the school so I don't know much about how the roads were farther out. But the intersections I saw in town were sanded. I do think it would be smart to have entire bus routes sanded as well. I'm not wanting to defend or complain about sanding efforts, I just think that it's unrealistic to think that we're going to be able to avoid bad road conditions, in winter, in Idaho. It's going to be slick when it snows. If it happens to be extreme winter weather then we need to stay home, but during normal winter weather, we just need to slow way down.

I thought we hased the snow removal efforts over the past years and that maybe the town leaders had a clue but this first storm showed the are still clueless. I proposed and provided to them many options, IE FOLLOW THE SCHOOL BUS ROUTES, but I live on a bus route and it was nothing but a solid sheet of ice and was never touched by the street dept. In fact when I left for work at 6AM, what did I see but a city plow traveling a major road, Airbase, with the plow up, and serious snow on the road. Yes efforts have improved over the past few years but there is still LOTS of room for improvement. I provided the city with several options and left it up to them to decide what was the best to use. I guess they selected to just keep doing things as they always have. I am not willing to revisit this with the town leaders as I left them with many options to choose from and thought they might actually consider at least one of them.

Amazing how the ISP put out a notice not be on the road unless its an emergency, and all the other school districs in the area cancelled school for the day. But, our school distric saw it fine to put our children in danger by having the busses on the roads and the schools being open, Im sure all the busses had the ice chains on and were all ready for the frigid temps. I could swear there are "snow days" built into the schedule for days like today. Richard McKenna and home schooling are looking more and more appealing, atleast RM closed for the day.

Shcools should be closed for tommorows early release as well. Simply due to morning temperature being below -2 degrees!!! That is just too cold for our children!!!

I was surprised they didn't cancel school as well. Snow isn't bad, but that is all ice out there right now. The Jr High parking lot was a solid sheet of ice. May not be so bad if it was supposed to warm up, but its not going to.

Please be safe out there everyone if you have to be out there otherwise stay home where its warm!

There also was another accident on Beet Dump Road last night.

Manshima,

We heard the sirens, lots of them last night and turned on the scanner. All we heard is that there was a HUGE accident and that Airbase was going to be closed for quite awhile. The Deputies were trying to divert traffic onto Old Grandview Hwy (Hog Farm Rd). We live near the airport and heard Life Lite take off as well. That is about all we heard. We looked in all the on-line news and nothing has been reported.

There is the "Giving/Gifting Tree" the Mountain Home Chamber of Commerce sponsors every year, all you have to do is pick a name from the tree get the suggested items and turn them in to the Chamber of Commerce. For several years my family has picked those that seem to be left behind on the tree; older individuals, both teens and adults. Most of the suggested items are actually needed everyday items, however when you're in need they truly are appreciated! Helping others doesn't have to cost a lot, sometimes just a dollar store item goes a long way. To my family knowing that just our small actions just might bring a small smile to someone with less; is more than enough!

Cody,

I hear your call. Is there anything that I can do to help you out?

Believe me, a lot of people at this time of year start feeling a little bit down. But a lot of people still do care. You have raise an interesting point. Perhaps you are right that society has forgotten about the teens. So again, is there anything that I can do to help?

Cody

I Understand what you are saying, It is fustrating that the older kids do get left out or left to fend for them selves at times, or even be told that now you are at the age to where you need to be more giving than recieving, and that if you are over the age of twelve but disadvantaged you still dont get anything. As a child I wasnt disadvantaged, my parent had very succesfull carrers and I didnt know how to want something as a child.. But as an adult on my own with children I have had those Christmases where I could not provide for my kids, and it is a very hard thing as a parent to be in that position. I have children right now that range from 5 to 16 years of age and every one of them are involved with several local groups from boy scouts to cheerleading. With the Organizations they are involved in there are some adults I truly absolutly love and they do and awsome job at what they do, HOWEVER They are few to do a job of Many. I have the same fustration as you do, but it is not contained to the holidays, I hear constantly (what is with the youth of today) wel I have come to the idea that it is the kids of yesterday. I am not critisizing you for voicing your opinion, But I think maybe you could have worded it diferently, if you dont agree that is ok that is your opinion. It isnt just the holidays where we have a problem, it is everyday life. Now I apologize for the way you feel and unfortunitly I am not in a position right now too do anything about it, But if you have any ideas to fix the problem you feel there is I will listen, understand, and support you and offer what suggestion I can, But I wil not critisize you.

Bear Hunter:

I agree with you 100%. While I understand that many will focus their Christmas on gifts and community service is not for all I am really tired of kids asking does anybody care? Really?

First, it is up to parents to provide to the best of their ability. It is not up to this community, which is already stretching budgets, to make sure that everyone has a Christmas gift (teen/tween that is). Times are hard for many of us.

Christmas can be just as good without gifts as it is with gifts---it is what YOU make of it. If you want to have a bad time and feel sorry for yourself, then that is your choice. If you want to rise above, that is another choice.

Last year, my husband's family flew in. My husband's brother in the Navy and his 3 kids came in. It was all about family and spending time with each other because we were not sure when we would all meet up again. It was great and meant more to us than any gift (something purchased at a store, etc.). This year, we will have an airman from the Base for Turkey Day and some other folks from the community with no family. Christmas will be much the same. I look forward to that. You have to give back to your community. Not doing so breeds disrespect and poor community.

Now back to Cody's post:

"Disrespect only breeds disrespect. Christmas is supposed to be a time of love and caring. I urge all those who read this to take action to help the disadvantaged teens now. Otherwise, those agencies that are supposed to furnish help to the needy are little more than a bunch of hypocritical Scrooges."

I did not realize that "love and caring" came in a box under a Christmas tree?!?! Scrooges? Cody, what are you doing to raise funds for such a thing? Nothing in life is free or easy. The things that are the "best" come with a price and some life lessons (and hard work) not a post about what you think you are entitled to. I will give shampoo, toothpaste, etc. to the seniors and continue to volunteer my time. That, for me, is better than any gift that could be purchased in a store.

Bearhunter, nice story. You should expand on it and submit it to the paper for their holiday edition. You sound like our local Sarah Palin (that was not meant as an insult). Good for you!

Dear MH, I need your support again. We did not make finalist for the bing grant but I have another grant in mind. Pepsi has a grant for 50,000 that I am trying for.If you go to

www.refresheverything.com/baseprimarysch...

sign up and vote everyday till the 30th, We might get this one if I can get enough votes. This is for the Base Primary Computer Lab for an upgrade. I need to get in the top ten to get a grant. You have supported me before so I am again asking for help. Thanks for the support that you have aready given and this only takes a few minutes of your time a day. MH is just wonderful!!!

Does anyone care anymore?

As we approach the Christmas holidays, I can remember many a happy time and celebration around the tree. However, there is one thing that makes me angry to no end that traditionally happens near this time of the year. Everyday, I am bombarded with messages calling for the 'holiday spirit'; namely helping the disadvantaged, donating to Toys for Tots, and so on. However, as far as help for children is concerned, what nobody discloses is that said aid is for those under the age of twelve. This demands the question: Are the disadvantaged teens and tweens even considered? I am pretty sure - and would wager most of my fingers if I was a betting man - that those who govern the allocation of holiday aid have never woken up to find absolutely nothing under the tree. I have. It is a terrible feeling, knowing that you will get nothing because the parents can't afford to do so - and no one else cares. No wonder why teens and tweens, especially those who come from disadvantaged families, have many confidence and discipline problems, especially around this time of the year. I find it very shameful that, thus far, this problem has been allowed to continue unresolved. If the teenagers are truly the future workers and leaders of the world, then I esteem this as being tantamount to disrespect of the highest degree. Teens follow the example that they have been provided by society. Disrespect only breeds disrespect. Christmas is supposed to be a time of love and caring. I urge all those who read this to take action to help the disadvantaged teens now. Otherwise, those agencies that are supposed to furnish help to the needy are little more than a bunch of hypocritical Scrooges.

Yep thats a real good place to start. Cut spending by taking it from the Military Retired, and those on Social Security like they can really afford it put the retired out in the streets, How about cutting all the RAISES CONGRESS gives themselves each year, Do away with all the Czar's Obama put in place, over paid for doing nothing. Put a stop to all the waste on Welfare Programs for ilegals and people to darn lazy to work. Its not even fair that Military retired people have to pay Federal Taxes and State taxes on their retirement and pay Federal taxes on Social Security, nothing like paying a part of your own checks.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_cutting_de...

Synergy,

I for one would appreciate you providing the reference for your "research" You know reference the document, page, paragraph as is common practice.

I do NOT recall exact amounts but I do recall when I commented about the cel phone issue previously I was annoyed and offended that SO MUCH of MY tax money was being spent on cel service. Obviously the previous years budgets are GONE from the WRECD web site, so would love to see where YOUR data came from.

OM thanks for all you do for the community of Mt home.. Many people are glad for all the time and effort and INFORMATION you posted about the WECRD. If it wasn't for you and Judy and many other people attending those meeting lot of people in mt home would not no what is doing on..I for one disagree is mthomeless..I thougth once YOB went to school she would to way to busy for all the mt home stuff.. but guess she doesnt have a life at school. so again thanks for ALL you do.... wish more people would stand up like you.

yob,

Coming out with both guns blazing there aint ya? I made my point about ILLEGAL use of tax payer monies. I made that point in the past and now it is apparent that the cel phones are gone.. AWESOME!! riddle me this then young lady, if you stole money 2 years ago and then stopped does that make the previous theft LESS ILLEGAL? (ask the ladies that stole from DMV in Caldwell and Mountain Home)

The point I made under the other topic on this and stand behind is: ignorance of the law is no excuse and that would be especially true for someone who in the past presided over legal matters.

AWESOME again... they STOPPED illegally using tax dollars to provide themselves cel phones. Where are the receipts for those monies being returned I really don't care that they "oopsed" and spent that money, it was wrong and they obviously KNOW IT if they stopped doing it once called on it, correct? Soooo pay that money back, show some good faith to the the citizens of Elmore County.

Gimme ur best snide attack in regards to this, try some more liberal tactics to evade the topic at hand. STILL DOESN'T EXCUSE THE MONIES BEING MISUSED DOES IT?

I don't much consider your very biased opinions on the whole to carry much weight. your Mom worked with them, you don't pay taxes.. sure does not make you a neutral concerned citizen does it?

Holy crap... are we really still on the subject of how terrible the WECRD is? Its time to move on, seriously the elections were held, the people in the community let their voices be heard. I know this may come as a surprise, but they all didn't have the same Opinion as you. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad you have your opinion everyone is entitled to one I suppose, although don't you also have a history of only telling people what YOU think and what YOU want to hear. If you are going to preach from your pulpit make sure you're not hypocritical in the process. Your 40 year's old Tracy, I think the time to stop name calling and belittling others came around the 12th grade. So use some better adverbs and adjectives, if we have to hear what comes out of your mouth; I for one am glad to hear what comes out of Ms. Smith's. If Art and Judy had won thing would be different by golly, well they didn't. Sorry for Art and Judy I'm sure they believed they had good ideas but they lost. There are more subjects to spearhead and I'm sure there are different views you believe need to be upheld move on, its time.

P.S.

Spare a dime?

Blah Blah Blah (song)

"Blah Blah Blah" is a song by American recording artist Kesha from her debut album, Animal. Produced by Benny Blanco, and co-written by Kesha, Blanco, Neon Hitch and Sean Foreman, it was released as the album's second single on February 19, 2010, and features 3OH!3. Initial writing of the song took place when Kesha, Blanco, Hitch and Foreman were discussing which sex talked more and which one was more "obnoxious." The song is a midtempo electropop song that lyrically speaks of men in the same way that they have talked about women in the music industry.

Critical reception of the song has been generally mixed to positive with critics praising the track for its effective delivery of lyrics. Although the song has been well received, a common complaint amongst critics was the appearance of 3OH!3 stating it was "superfluous". The single achieved commercial success by reaching the top five in Australia and Canada, whilst charting within the top ten in the United States and New Zealand. It has gone on to sell over two million copies in the United States as well as being certified two times platinum in Canada. Kesha and 3OH!3 performed the song on ninth season of American Idol.

Contents

[hide]

[edit] Writing and inspiration

"Blah Blah Blah" was written by Kesha alongside Neon Hitch, Sean Foreman and Benny Blanco who also produced the song. Kesha said that the song originated from a discussion they had in the studio on the politics of female-male relationships which Kesha later explained,

"The song came about when the people that wrote it -- me, Benny Blanco, Neon Hitch and [3OH!3's] Sean Foreman -- all got in a room, and they were talking about how chicks talk too much," [...] "And me and Neon were like, 'No, no, no, guys talk too much," [...] "So, we had this war of who were more obnoxious, chicks or dudes. And the song kind of came around from that conversation. I think I make a pretty fair point both in this video and in the song, that dudes are way more annoying."[1]

[edit] Music and lyrics

Kesha "Blah Blah Blah"

"Blah Blah Blah" is a midtempo dance song composed in D minor.

Problems listening to this file? See media help.

"Blah Blah Blah" is a midtempo dance song drawing from the dance-pop and electropop genres.[2] The song combines heavy Auto-Tune with drum machines while infusing hints of R&B.[3] According to sheet music published at Musicnotes.com by Alfred Publishing, the single is set in compound time with a moderate beat rate of 120 beats per minute. It is written in the key of D minor and Kesha's vocal range in the song spans from the note of D3 to the note of D5.[4]

"Blah Blah Blah" received mixed to positive reviews from most music critics. Fraser McAlpine of the BBC was impressed with the song saying "it's a sign of cultural progress that a modern pop lass can sing a song which is exactly as dirty as the kind of song her male peers would risk." He compared Kesha's vocal delivery to that of Eminem, he also compared the hook, "you tah-tah-tawkin' that Blah Blah Blah" to "Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga, stating that the song was a "rural, farm-girl spin" of it.[5] Jim Farber of the New York Daily News stated that the track "could become the 'whatever' anthem of the season."[6] The song was well received by Bill Lamb of About.com, commenting on the lyrics, he said "Let's cut to the chase here, Kesha says, Shut up, let's have sex. That is the complete gist of "Blah Blah Blah", and most likely no one could deliver it more effectively and in a more catchy fashion. Throw in a sea of synths and drum machines and this is the second major hit from Kesha." Lamb however listed 3OH!3's appearance as a con, stating that it is superfluous.[7] It was described by the Winnipeg Free Press as a "hard pop-hop cut with pogo-worthy beats."[8] Daniel Brockman of The Phoenix thought that Kesha "intone[d] in a lusty, disturbingly carefree tone" on the song.[9]

Ann Powers of the Los Angeles Times said that "Blah Blah Blah" was one of those "moments on Animal that are nearly as experimental as an Animal Collective record, but instead of some wistful, Brian Wilson-loving artiste at the song's center, there's this girl, rolling her eyes and snapping her gum."[10] Melanie Bertoldi from Billboard magazine also thought that the verse by 3OH!3 "severely slow[ed] down the momentum and never quite gel[ed] with Kesha's catty, aggressive delivery," but praised the song for its "danceability".[11] Andrew Burgess of MusicOMH said that while "3OH!3 makes a lame attempt to assert the case for male equality [on the song], Kesha comes off as so infectiously dominating, it's hard to take [3OH!3] seriously."[12] Mayer Nissim of Digital Spy gave the song two out of five stars, stating that it was not as catchy as her debut, slamming the lyrics for being "thick" and adding that she failed to deliver on many lines, calling them "faux-outrageous, faux-feminist trash".[13]

[edit] Chart performance

Without being announced as a single "Blah Blah Blah" debuted on the Irish Singles Chart, the Billboard Hot 100, the Canadian Hot 100, the Australian Singles Chart and the New Zealand Singles Chart at number twenty-six,[14] seven,[15] three,[16] seven[17] and seven[18] respectively due to strong digital sales following the release of the album in early January 2010. This marked Kesha's second top thirty hit in Ireland, and second top ten hit in the US, Canada, Australia and Canada. "Blah Blah Blah" made its debut onto the UK Singles Chart at number eleven on the issue dated February 7, 2010[19] with sales of 27,161.[20]

In the United States the single also debuted on the Hot Digital Songs chart at number two, selling a total of 206,000 downloads,[15] and has since sold more than two million copies in the US alone as of April 2010.[21] In March 2010 the single was certified double platinum by the Canadian Recording Industry Association (CRIA) for sales of 80,000 units.[22] In Australia, the song later improved its peak to three and has since been certified platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA).[23][24] In May 2010 the single was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand (RIANZ) for sales of 7,500 units.[25]

[edit] Music video

[edit] Background and Reception

Kesha in the music video being hit on by a guy in which she responds by duct taping his mouth closed.

"It Is Your Blog

Posted Thursday, November 4, 2010, at 7:51 AM

Talk about whatever you want. Get it all off your chest. This is the place to chat, have your thoughts be known and not be on the front page of the MHN (on the BB). Have a great day everyone.

"Life is too short to hold a grudge against someone that never mattered in the first place. Life is too short!"

-Me-"

What a novel idea...Please take heed of your own words.

Ms. Lauric,

I think you misunderstood. My mother and I know full well there USED to be a cell phone when my mom worked for them. It was years ago and I can first hand say that it was strictly used for WECRD purposes. I could not guarantee what was going on with the cell phone after my mother's employment with the WECRD ended.

I believe Synergy meant there are no longer any cell phones. That's all. He/she was not lying and I stand by my previous comment that everyone should do their own research instead of misunderstanding others' research and criticizing others. No productivity comes from sitting on the BB all day tearing apart any actual research that citizens may do on their own and its actually quite discouraging.

Synergy,

So you know for a fact there are "no cel phones"? None? Never have been? So the 2008 budget that listed them was falsified? ORRRRR after it was pointed out that they were in violateion of state codes they chose to get rid of them? Would that make it OK now then?

Why are you all insistent that synergy share his/her research? He/she obviously did their own research and are satisfied with it. If you all really careened much, do your own instead of asking for his/hers and then being so critical of theirs. If he/she did their own research, it's very unlikey that his/her mind would be changed by your banterbox explanation. Do your own research so you will be satisfied with your opinion instead of being extremely critical of others' research.

OM-After reading your blog and your comment of "Life is too short to hold a grudge against someone that never mattered in the first place. Life is too short!" I realized that no matter what anyone says if they don't agree with you they don't matter. Sad actually. I can say I don't agree with you most of the time but I still respect your opinion and you matter even if your words seem to come out like vinegar sometimes. My opinion is EVERYONE matters and NO ONE deserves to be called names and bullied regardless of their beliefs or opinions and that includes you. Everyone matters.

Well said proudmom.

I really don't think (side kick) got voted in because of her religious preference. My daughter came home the other day and asked me "Why do people have to bring up religion and why can't they just like you for who you are?" I told her to be true to who she is and her true friends will support her and love her regardless of her religion preference. Being Mormen as you put it or better Mormon or even better LDS Latter Day Saint does not win you an election. Being Catholic, Baptist, Nazarene ect. Does not win you an election. I am sure some people vote for those reasons but I honestly think the majority vote for that person because of the kind of person they are and the impact they have made at one time or another or the vision they see. I really hope that is the case because that is what I told my daughter. How many wars have been started because of religion or politics. I don't think people are moving away because of the WRECD or wishing they hadn't retired here because of the WRECD thats pretty dramatic. I don't think blaming their names or religion is why they won the election and whether you agree or disagree the majority won. Everyone can continue to hit below the belt and call names (SideKick) or mention religion but in doing that who is it hurting. Does it make you feel better? It has to hurt Marsha and Jana how couldn't it?. They are very good people along with Art and Judy. All 4 are very nice people and contribute a lot to this community and all 4 are well known for their names, businesses, volunteer work, jobs, clubs and so on. We are a small town, of course people know them for those reasons but it is all 4 not just 2 of them-equally. They were trying to solve the problem and they got involved and subjected them selves and family to this because they love MH and they are here to stay. But, do they really deserve all of this?? Does anyone deserve the treatment of days and weeks and months of name calling or bashing over and over again from the same people for trying to make a difference? I have also talked to my children about bullying because they have dealt with it because of their religion or what they wear or what they say. I think every child has been at sometime in their life. I also told them that it gets better when you are an adult. I think I may have told them an untruth with that comment. Prime example, this blog. But, I am sure the bashing and comments, name-calling and religion will continue to be brought up. Sad actually, maybe that is why people move away or wonder why they retired here. Humm Something to think about. I for one would like to thank Marsh, Jana, Art and Judy for caring about MH and trying to make a difference and for trying to be problem solvers whether we agreed with their visions or not. Thank you.

I am postive that Marsha and her side kick was put in due to who they are. Everyone of those voters who voted for them didnt vote because they wanted to tax us to death or have a pool.. People voted as they know them from Dr offices, hospitals, church.. I bet more them half of them who voted for them didnt even know what happen on the Wecrd board or how mcuh is being spent.. But they voted as they remember that name helping them out in their time of need like Marsha has done for LOTS of people. Most religious people only vote for their people as catholic always support catholic, baptist support baptist and mormens support mormen. People did not vote for more taxes, pools, years more of no building. It all about your name... as you YOB... they are not following CLCD as ALan didnt even support them they are so out field with this night mare.. poor us in mt home is this every going to come around and we a great place to live at again.. so many people are moving away and retiring people are seeing maybe this wasn't they place to stay after all.

Synergy:

How can you claim to have done the research if you come on here and ask when their office is open? They have a web site that we, the taxpayers, pay a fortune for. It has their hours, etc. listed on it. I do not mean to offend you but it would seem that you probably called them, asked your questions and took that as fact. Things are not as they seem with this group and have not been for 10 years. This is a fraud against the public and has been from the start. As I said before, you voted them in, good luck.

Synergy,

Odd, you say you have "done research" So you KNOW then that the WRECD budget in the past has clearly shown their providing themselves with cel phones.... RIGHT???? or did you miss THAT part of the "research"? And you obviously researched further and identified the statement I shared with you from Idaho code stating they are entitled to "compensation for actual expenses incurred" RIGHT????

Now pull that magic thesaurus out and try to explain to me in those colorful words of yours how "compensation for actual expenses incurred" means HEY FOLKS LETS ALL GET CEL PHONES THE TAX PAYERS ARE BUYING!!!!

Research is exactly what I did and found that facts are not what is being presented on the BB. So I posed my question so that maybe people would do their own research.

Research! Research! Research!

Does anyone know the WECRD's office hours? I figured cant justwatch might know, since cant justwatch seems to have a long list.

Hey, does anyone have the cell #'s of these supposed cell phones. Do these cell phones exists? How do you know? I hope individuals check public records themselves and not just take the word of others.

Yes, the people have spoken. Unfortunately, we now have to tolerate a board for another term that is irresponsible, condescending, conceited, smug and sneaky. Against the law? Probably not. But, the old adage about given enough rope...............

More on Don G. and AEHI. Courtney's hero. What a fine example of a human being and "business" man.

http://thestreetsweeper.org/undersurveil...

This is just what Elmore County needed. That Don is really something!

Hilarious video...but less so when compared to many of our actual election results.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31FFTx6AK...

Ms. Lauric,

Nonsense? The WECRD has been following the recommendations of the CDLC, which is exactly what you called for. From what I gathered, Judy and Art were not planning anything very different than what the community presently offers, except for a type of 'event center' i.e., car shows? (correct me if I am wrong, it's hard for me to have my research done being away from town)

I am glad that once again voters have reflected what they want through from the elections.

Too bad! As I have stated awhile ago, I do not support a massive centralized facility. Instead I would prefer smaller community facilities spread out and aligned with existing city parks and schools, with room to expand to the North side of I84.

But the people have spoken.

Thank you Brenda for the update..

Sorry working bee, it was working when I posted it. Idaho Statesman has several results listed as well.

Make that "click" vise clicl.

That link is bad

http://zidaho.com/ktvb/elections/elmore.... Live (according to KTVB) election results for Elmore county.

Ding Dong the witch is gone... Bye Bye Pelosi... Let's hope we can say the same for our small town, Ding Dong Marsha and Jana are gone.....

Sure would be nice to get Election Result Updates on here tonight !

ping pong balls vs. a pool ....Hmmmmmm?

Voting was so much fun this morning ......I think I will go back this evening and do it again.

Even if the Marsha and Jana did not stuff the flyers themselves, they are still responsible. Volunteers are still led (or should be) by those for which they are volunteering. Bottom line - crooks work for crooks.

Synergy

Not wise to come to a fight with a gun loaded with blanks, ("NO FACTS, NO DOUCMENTS, RUMORS,") and the lack of knowing anything about is going on. 22 Sept 10 meeting Betty stated 6000 ballots were printed for todays election. 3267 votes were cast in 2008 with 11,000 ballots printed. The amount of money spend on the 2008 election was over 15 thousand dollars. This year Betty has stated she has saved money for this election by the way she is doing things. Then why did Judy state that this election has been budgeted for $25 thousand dollar big increase when you say you are saving money and if it runs over all the bills will be paid. They have stated they are hiring the same amount of polls people as in 2008 plus this year Betty needed 2 to hire 2 assistants. As far as the credit cards Judy stated in the 22 Sept minutes that the credit cards have been applied for but doesn't say who will have them or how many have been applied for. These documents on P & L and the check register looks like a piece of swiss cheese it has so many holes in it and there are red flags all over the place just how money is being spend. I suggest you go read some of these documents for yourself instead of commenting on hear say and rumors. Polls open in a few hours hope everyone gets out and votes.

Marsha and Jana did not put fliers in the mail boxes volunteers did. Just as I am guessing volunteers typed up and mailed out Judy and Arts post card, which I know had the wrong voting places on it. (I'm hoping this was only an error on a couple of them and not all) So you see everyone makes mistakes. Oh and by the way check your facts, what credit card are you talking about? So you paid for every copy you got from the WECRD? Remember this is public record.

Synergy

I didn't want to hijack OM's current blog. But in response to bazooka's comment: If there's no comment box at the end of an online article on here, I think they want you to post on the BB so that comments go on the front page of the site.

In a (magicvalley) newspaper article from October 26th, the Twin Falls County 5th District Court is reported to be holding him on a $ 150K bond for Felony DUI and Vehicular Manslaughter. They consider him to be flight risk since he's an illegal alien who was previously deported. Hearing set for November 5th. Actually if you Google his full name you can see the article (first link when I did).

Synergy:

First, the copies that the public obtain do not cost you or the taxpayers one dime---the WECRD charges for ALL copies at the rate of .10 per page. Nice try.

As far as the current WECRD Board not spending taxpayers dollars on their election, that remains to be seen. There are an awful high number of copies being made outside the area of election ballots. As far as the 2008 election official goes. Who cares if that person supports the WECRD or not? As long as they follow the laws for an election, I could care less. The current election official for the WECRD LIED of Federal Appropriations forms for at least 2 years with the assistance of Mollie Marsh, WECRD Director. How can a person who lacks integrity really be expected to run an honest, lawful election?

As for questions not being responded to by the WECRD Board. Do you feel it is okay for a taxing district to not be accountable to the public and respond to questions? Do you thin it is okay that this board spends on a lot of things that have NOT a thing to do with recreation? $725.00 on a photo of themselves? $840.00 on window clings? Hundreds and hundreds of dollars in copy charges (not related to document requests mind you) when they just spend thousands of our dollars on a new copy machine.

Now, back to all of the monies being "paid back" to directors for money they have spent on behalf of the WECRD. They have a checking account. They have credit cards. There is very little reason for WECRD Directors to be obtaining "refunds" from the WECRD for purchases. As a matter of fact, that was a red flag on an audit report (their annual audit). When I checked director reimbursements last year, what was paid back did not match the documents on hand. That is a problem.

So Synergy, go back and do some more research and obtain the facts---the actual facts as opposed to what you have been fed. And yes, I do have the P & L for the last fiscal year and a listing of the checks paid out for the last 2 years. And, I paid for the copies just as I always have. Public information Synergy, public information.

VOTE THE CURRENT DIRECTORS OUT. The last 10 years tell us what the next 10 years will be like. Higher taxes to support a facility that will run over $300,000 in the red.

midea:

There are some questions on some current WECRD purchases. They have written checks for a lot of copy jobs----hundreds and hundreds of dollars. In addition, at the end of September, the current WECRD Board spent $840.00 of district money on window clings. I am willing to bet that district funds have been misappropriated and used on this election. Just look what they do with other district monies. History does indeed repeat itself and this time is no different.

My two cents:

WRECD = wrecked, which would accurately describe those currently in charge of this mess.

CONGRATS!! to the MHHS winners. Way to go Tigers!

Hey media thats ok on the misspelled we all do that but also looks like you been taking lessons from Atomic Dog on what to call that outfit, its WECRD not WRECD. And I am laughing at both spelling of Flees and WRECD and not at ya but with ya.

How can they use taxpayer money for their reelection. That is the wrecd money. Is there a legal issue here? Did we all pay for the signs and flees? Is that what we paid for OM? Can u clarify?

I'm proud to let you guys know that the 2010 yearbook, designed largely by 2010 alumni Bridget Sinerius won Best of Show today at the Idaho Student Journalism Association's fall conference.

The Tiger Tribune took Best of Show for newspaper.

All of our students placed in their individual events except one, who was one point from placing as well.

We'd like to thank all of you on the MHN who also read our paper, look at our website, and support us in any ways possible.

For those interested, Tim has made some very good points on Voting and also you can see who is running for what office.

http://www.bondyweb.com/

MsM, we did. It is in their minutes. They are using our money for their run for office. Nice to have that open checkbook.

From the September 29, 2010 WECRD Meeting Minutes:

At this point, President Sellers asked the audience if there were questions. Betty Ashcraft,

Public Liaison of the WECRD, asked whether the District will be applying for FY 2012 Federal

Appropriations Funds. President Sellers said that this would have to be discussed with the CLDC as a

revenue option. Ms. Ashcraft brought up the possibility of a bond for revenue generation and stated

that if the WECRD wants to pursue a bond, they must notify the state of their intent by November 30th.

Chris Alzola asked the Board if the previous Capital Feasibility Study Report conducted in 2002 (the Shaw

Snow Report) could be used instead of spending money on a new study. Director Borgholthaus

responded that the WECRD Board has stated publicly they will abide by the recommendation of the

CLDC. Director Borgholthaus also noted that this new facility proposal is much different than the old

facility proposal upon which the Shaw Snow Report was based on.

Yep, sounds like lower taxes to me. The current WECRD Board needs to GO!

That may be true yob.

However, $840.00 in district funds were used to pay for pro-WECRD window clings at the end of September. Was that okay? Think of what that $840.00 could have helped pay for in the way of recreation. Recreational spending is not the same as recreation.

Bazooka,

What would you say here. http://biggovernment.com/publius/2010/10...

Thank you VT for the support. We loved making the video.

Dear MH, Today is the last day to rate the Base Primary's entry for the Our School Needs contest by Bing. If you would be so kind as to sign in and rate the entry so we may make the finalists lists. The website is www.bing.com/ourschoolneeds

It is entry 311 K-6. Thanks to the people that have done this and we need your help again. Thanks

Who paid for all those WECRD vote for Jana & Marsha signs all over my neighborhood? Better not have been our Recreation money.

Marsha, Jana and Mollie:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cklZl5PgY...

A picture really is worth a thousand words. I too have had my fill but will not quit till the race is done and 2 new people sit on the WECRD Board. Sorry to bore those in the kingdom of blogville. An incentive to shut me up? Elect a new WECRD Board to fix the mess the 3 bimbos have created.

For the more musical:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvP0uwl3Q...

In September (2010), the WECRD Board spent $840.00 on window clings to further their own agendas. How many kids could have played a sport for that amount of money?

More waste, fraud and abuse. Thank you Marsha, Mollie and Jana.

Psychology

Mental state in terms of challenge level and skill level.[3] Clickable.

Boredom has been defined by C. D. Fisher in terms of its central psychological processes: "an unpleasant, transient affective state in which the individual feels a pervasive lack of interest in and difficulty concentrating on the current activity."[4] M. R. Leary and others describe boredom as "an affective experience associated with cognitive attentional processes."[5] In positive psychology, boredom is described as a response to a moderate challenge for which the subject has more than enough skill.[3]

There are three types of boredom, all of which involve problems of engagement of attention. These include times when we are prevented from engaging in some wanted activity, when we are forced to engage in some unwanted activity, or when we are simply unable, for no apparent reason, to maintain engagement in any activity or spectacle.[6] Boredom proneness is a tendency to experience boredom of all types. This is typically assessed by the Boredom Proneness Scale.[7] Consistent with the definition provided above, recent research has found that boredom proneness is clearly and consistently associated with failures of attention.[8] Boredom and boredom proneness are both theoretically and empirically linked to depression and depressive symptoms.[9][10][11] Nonetheless, boredom proneness has been found to be as strongly correlated with attentional lapses as with depression.[9] Although boredom is often viewed as a trivial and mild irritant, proneness to boredom has been linked to a very diverse range of possible psychological, physical, educational, and social problems.

Philosophy

Boredom is a condition characterized by perception of one's environment as dull, tedious, and lacking in stimulation. This can result from leisure and a lack of aesthetic interests. Labor, however, and even art may be alienated and passive, or immersed in tedium. There is an inherent anxiety in boredom; people will expend considerable effort to prevent or remedy it, yet in many circumstances, it is accepted as suffering to be endured. Common passive ways to escape boredom are to sleep or to think creative thoughts (daydream). Typical active solutions consist in an intentional activity of some sort, often something new, as familiarity and repetition lead to the tedious.

Boredom also plays a role in existentialist thought. In contexts where one is confined, spatially or otherwise, boredom may be met with various religious activities, not because religion would want to associate itself with tedium, but rather, partly because boredom may be taken as the essential human condition, to which God, wisdom, or morality are the ultimate answers. Boredom is in fact taken in this sense by virtually all existentialist philosophers as well as by Schopenhauer. Heidegger wrote about boredom in two texts available in English, in the 1929/30 semester lecture course The Fundamental Concepts of Metaphysics, and again in the essay What is Metaphysics? published in the same year. In the lecture, Heidegger included about 100 pages on boredom, probably the most extensive philosophical treatment ever of the subject. He focused on waiting at train stations in particular as a major context of boredom.[12] In Kierkegaard's remark in Either/Or, that "patience cannot be depicted" visually, there is a sense that any immediate moment of life may be fundamentally tedious. Blaise Pascal in the Pensées discusses the human condition in saying "we seek rest in a struggle against some obstacles. And when we have overcome these, rest proves unbearable because of the boredom it produces", and later states that "only an infinite and immutable object -- that is, God himself -- can fill this infinite abyss."[13]

Without stimulus or focus, the individual is confronted with nothingness, the meaninglessness of existence, and experiences existential anxiety. Heidegger states this idea nicely: "Profound boredom, drifting here and there in the abysses of our existence like a muffling fog, removes all things and men and oneself along with it into a remarkable indifference. This boredom reveals being as a whole."[14] Arthur Schopenhauer used the existence of boredom in an attempt to prove the vanity of human existence, stating, "...for if life, in the desire for which our essence and existence consists, possessed in itself a positive value and real content, there would be no such thing as boredom: mere existence would fulfil and satisfy us."[15]

Erich Fromm and other thinkers of critical theory speak of boredom as a common psychological response to industrial society, where people are required to engage in alienated labor. According to Fromm, boredom is "perhaps the most important source of aggression and destructiveness today." For Fromm, the search for thrills and novelty that characterizes consumer culture are not solutions to boredom, but mere distractions from boredom which, he argues, continues unconsciously.[16] Above and beyond taste and character, the universal case of boredom consists in any instance of waiting, as Heidegger noted, such as in line, for someone else to arrive or finish a task, or while one is travelling somewhere. The automobile requires fast reflexes, making its operator busy and hence, perhaps for other reasons as well, making the ride more tedious despite being over sooner.

Causes and effects

Although it has not been widely studied, research on boredom suggests that boredom is a major factor impacting diverse areas of a person's life. People ranked low on a boredom-proneness scale were found to have better performance in a wide variety of aspects of their lives, including career, education, and autonomy.[17] Boredom can be a symptom of clinical depression. Boredom can be a form of learned helplessness, a phenomenon closely related to depression. Some philosophies of parenting propose that if children are raised in an environment devoid of stimuli, and are not allowed or encouraged to interact with their environment, they will fail to develop the mental capacities to do so.

The Princess Who Never Smiled by Viktor Vasnetsov

In a learning environment, a common cause of boredom is lack of understanding; for instance, if one is not following or connecting to the material in a class or lecture, it will usually seem boring. However, the opposite can also be true; something that is too easily understood, simple or transparent, can also be boring. Boredom is often inversely related to learning, and in school it may be a sign that a student is not challenged enough, or too challenged. An activity that is predictable to the students is likely to bore them.[18]

A study of 1989 indicated that an individual's impression of boredom may be influenced by the individuals degree of attention, as a higher acoustic level of distraction from the environment correlated with higher reportings of boredom.[19]

Boredom has been studied as being related to drug abuse among teens.[20] Boredom has been proposed as a cause of pathological gambling behavior. A study found results consistent with the hypothesis that pathological gamblers seek stimulation to avoid states of boredom and depression.[21]

Since the advent of the internet and other communicative means, access to curing boredom has new mediums. Video games and web pages have all provide the end user a different experience in their attempt to cure boredom.

Popular culture

In Chapter 18 of the novel The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde (1854--1900), the character Lord Henry Wotton says to a young Dorian Gray: "The only horrible thing in the world is ennui, Dorian. That is the one sin for which there is no forgiveness." John Sebastian, Iggy Pop, the Deftones, Buzzcocks, and Blink-182 have all written songs with boredom mentioned in the title. Other songs about boredom and activities people turn to when bored include Green Day's song "Longview", System of a Down's "Lonely Day", and Bloodhound Gang's "Mope". Douglas Adams depicted a robot named Marvin the Paranoid Android whose boredom appeared to be the defining trait of his existence in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

The 1969 Vocational Guidance Counsellor sketch on Monty Python's Flying Circus established a lasting stereotype of accountants as boring.[22] The Yellow Pages used to carry an entry under Boring, "See civil engineers", but this was changed in 1996 to "See sites exploration."[23]

Saw this story, how wrong and unfair. I cannot believe how many people have recently been in the papers for wearing the wrong clothes. Unreal.

http://blogs.ktla.com/news_custom_eric/2...

Hobby needs a hobby. You always bring so much to this forum. Wind advisory. Put on those big boy pants and see where it takes you. With any luck, it will be Florida.

Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The goal is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot square, or diamond. Players on one team (the batting team) take turns hitting against the pitcher of the other team (the fielding team), which tries to stop them from scoring runs by getting hitters out in any of several ways. A player on the batting team can stop at any of the bases and later advance via a teammate's hit or other means. The teams switch between batting and fielding whenever the fielding team records three outs. One turn at bat for each team constitutes an inning and nine innings make up a professional game. The team with the most runs at the end of the game wins.

Evolving from older bat-and-ball games, an early form of baseball was being played in England by the mid-eighteenth century. This game and the related rounders were brought by British and Irish immigrants to North America, where the modern version of baseball developed. By the late nineteenth century, baseball was widely recognized as the national sport of the United States. Baseball on the professional, amateur, and youth levels is now popular in North America, parts of Central and South America and the Caribbean, and parts of East Asia. The game is sometimes referred to as hardball, in contrast to the derivative game of softball.

In North America, professional Major League Baseball (MLB) teams are divided into the National League (NL) and American League (AL). Each league has three divisions: East, West, and Central. Every year, the major league champion is determined by playoffs that culminate in the World Series. Four teams make the playoffs from each league: the three regular season division winners, plus one wild card team. Baseball is the leading team sport in both Japan and Cuba, and the top level of play is similarly split between two leagues: Japan's Central League and Pacific League; Cuba's West League and East League. In the National and Central leagues, the pitcher is required to bat, per the traditional rules. In the American, Pacific, and both Cuban leagues, there is a tenth player, a designated hitter, who bats for the pitcher. Each top-level team has a farm system of one or more minor league teams. These teams allow younger players to develop as they gain on-field experience against opponents with similar levels of skill.

This is the kind of things that are going on with the CLDC and the WECRD more need to read.

Do-Over

Judy has no part in this post. This is my point of view and my point of view only. I was at the poorly attended CLDC meeting on 10/21/10 as a citizen. There were 10 people there including me and only 6 were CLDC members.

After much deliberation, a year and a half of studies and meetings, burning $50 thousand on the Y, and another $20 thousand on a survey; the CLDC wants a do-over. Around a month ago the CLDC with guidance from the Y made their recommendation to the WECRD to do a feasibility study and go for option 3 with a pool. Other than a town hall meeting to present those results the job of the CLDC was supposed to be done. The WECRD board voted to follow that recommendation. Now the CLDC says that they want a do-over. They were "rushed", they made a "mistake". They don't say why they were rushed but what else could it have been other than to try and bolster the sitting directors position going into the elections? After the CLDC made its recommendation the Y representative sends an email to the co-chairs of the CLDC. One of the co-chairs shares it with a few people. Not the whole committee, but a few people. The email erroneously states in part that the WECRD could be done away with at some point. I say erroneously because the proforma shows the WECRD raising taxes 3 percent until at least 2023 and when formally presented at the CLDC the numbers and statements that are in the email all still, "have to be checked". It's an after-the-fact, desperate, nonfactual interjection. Look at the email, (Part 1), (Part 2), and you can see where our opponents came up with their new platform and the sudden epiphany of having a plan to do away with the WECRD. Hey it's the CLDC; open, objective and transparent right? Whatever. The question is; how can our opponents have a "plan" to dissolve the WECRD when they've never discussed it in a public forum? Theres only one way, and that's the back door illegal meeting way.

It was also interesting to hear that the CLDC is giving up on the fantasy that $4 million dollars can be raised for option 3. The recommendation from the Y email is to stick with spending another $40 thousand dollars on a capital feasibility study for option 3 but tell the story to the public that they will build option 1 and go in phases to option 3. Good idea. Mtn Hm residents love phased projects. I'm sure that everyone will donate to a phased project. They would never go for any kind of radical idea like, building something that we can afford right now. I was on the programs and facilities sub committee and when the 3 options were first trotted out I asked where sub-option one was. The option that could be built with existing funds. I was told that there was all kinds of donation money to be had here and not to worry about it. My question is as valid now as it was then. Why this fixation with building more than we can afford? The numbers that the proforma are based on has a 3 percent tax increase per year for the next 13 years. It takes the districts collected taxes from the $440 thousand it is this year to $670 thousand in 2023 at least. Thats the kind of numbers they use to make their options work.

After a year and a half of work and spending, formally voting on a recommendation, presenting it to the WECRD and the directors voting to adhere to the recommendation, one email causes a train wreck. The CLDC wouldn't have voted for a recommendation that wasn't backed up by hardcore, surveyed, what-the-people-want data, right? They spent $20 thousand dollars on a survey that told them option 3 was the way to go, right? Jana was there through all the CLDC meetings, the WECRD wouldn't have voted to accept the recommendation unless "the city" had spoken and the "facts" backed it up, right? It's not like the recommendation barely passed the committee either, it was 9-4. Four voices of reason and nine pool zombies. If they were just going to change their minds whenever the email/wind blows why waste all the time and money?

A friend of mine was told that if we get elected we'll "ruin" everything that they have achieved. I don't see where they have achieved anything. The CLDC has gone the way of the WECRD and has officially entered the analysis paralysis zone. But back to the point. Judy and I didn't run for this thing to ruin anything. We ran because we want to see good things for this community come out of this project. The more we've got out and talked to people the more we know that good things can come out of this. But we need to get started. We need to stop with the studies and the meetings and all the haphazard spending that could go towards recreation. We may be able to have an indoor pool someday, but its never going to happen with the way things are going now. We are for breaking ground on a big enclosed space that can be used for hundreds of different activities and we're for starting on it as soon as we're seated. If you want to wish and hope and dream about recreation vote for our opponents. If you want results and lower taxes vote for us.

Thanks so much curiousparents, though if I did have religous beliefs against trick or treating I wouldn't of even been asking about Halloween. I decided to wait and see if the paper talked about the thing they have for the kids at the school and go from there. So SUNDAY it is. Hope the kids have a safe and fun filled night trick or treating. Hope you all come up with some awesome costumes.

The election is November 2, 2010. You can vote at all of the "regular" places. The WECRD has their own ballot---and YOU must ASK for it. You can also vote for the WECRD Board at the WECRD office.

Go to Art and Judy's web page, it has more info. The paper also had info as well.

I guess making comments on some of the articles is now off limits seeing as there is no place to comment except back to the editor.

A quick reminder to all of Mountain Home that the "Be The Match" Bone Marrow Donor Registration Drive takes place this Saturday (10/23) from 7-11 am as part of the the Health Fair at the Elks Lodge. Thanks to generous contributions, this is an opportunity for 18-60 year olds in good health to be added to the registry at no personal cost!! For more info, check out www.BeTheMatch.com.

Please help us show our support for Dr. Wakelee Bledsoe in her battle with leukemia by getting YOUR name added to the registry. Who knows? You may end up receiving a call with an opportunity for you to save someone's life!!

MEET THE CANDIDATES NIGHT, info on http://www.bondyweb.com/

I have to say, when I read a post such as the one left by Homedog, I find more and more respect for the students at MHHS that post here on occasion. They may not always agree with what someone is saying, but they can usually be respectful and debate a point rather than spew hateful words and they do not use this board for rants and raves that are more likely to be found in the hallways at school. Some people just need to grow up.

Is there a way to delete my comment? The comment I was referring to was taken down and now it doesn't make any sense.

homedog: I see in over 270 posts you have made exactly one comment. Why not give us something to think about other than an "I hate you" post. Seriously dude, there has to be something interesting you can add to the Banter Box.

You know what Opinion Missy? Why don't you try to be part of the solution on all these issues you constantly carp about? You really do need to get a life. You are pathetic. Truly pathetic. And I for one am tired of coming to this page only to see miles and miles of your drivel.

Has anyone else noticed that on the KTVB website, the "violent sexual predator arrested in Caldwell" bears a remarkable resemblance to the sketch of the "Greenbelt assault suspect"?? Could they be the same guy?

There were more car burglary's again last night, windows were broken to get items out of vehicles. SW of town Gregory Lane, Teton Dr and Caribou and possibly others

http://rec-center.net/

The above is a link to Marsha and Jana's web page.

Imagine that---no comments and more WECRD lies.

ENDING WECRD TAXES:

"Our goal is to eventually END the WECRD taxing district, by partnering with the YMCA to deliver a sustainable Recreation Center for the entire community to enjoy. This won't happen overnight; however, it can be done. Our opponents have no plan to ever discontinue the taxing district, and are proposing a facility that will neither fulfill what the majority of the community has asked for, nor can it be operated without taxpayers ongoing assistance."

This is really funny stuff. The YMCA pro forma indicates a facility with a pool will lose money. It will have a negative cash balance into at least year 13. Further, the pro forma does NOT EVER project that a full facility will EVER be able to function/exist WITHOUT TAXES---and...tax increases EVERY year for the FULL amount allowed by law for 25 years (the term of a loan). So, how do you gals plan to do without taxes when only 12-15% of our population is projected to use the facility...and 10% of those could be on subsidized memberships which means LESS revenue. Oh, and let us not forget that the WECRD is short around 6.7 million for a facility with a pool. A loan means higher taxes---not less or none. Oh, and the cost per square foot was not $67.00 as the WECRD indicated (big shock!). It is wellover that (more than 2 times that as a matter of fact).

Let us not forget that according to the pro forma, the YMCA will take ALL monies from the WECRD---each and EVERY dime. What happens if a Board came in that did not want to give ALL of the money to the YMCA? Then what? What is the plan gals?

Next Lie:

"We have always been public-driven, and listened to what the community has said they want and need."

Now this is a really good one. If you listen to the public and are so public driven then why oh why did all 3 of you (3 out of 3 of you) vote to note have a line item in the 09/10 fiscal year budget for recreation and programs? A flat out NO (we have it on YouTube if you decide to not tell the truth). Public driven? That is why you behave as you do at WECRD Board Meetings, why you change the times and why you have your meetings while most are at work. Were you listening to the public when you spent $725.00 on photos of yourselves. Were you thinking of the public when year after year you gave to the MHAC but said no to the kids?

Now, this is the BEST! My last WECRD Board lie of the night!

"Our community will benefit from their core values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility." Rich gals, RICH! When all of you got involved with the YMCA, you signed a sheet of paper that promised that you would live by the above. How is that working out for you now? Guess you all forgot that when you sent in that last appropriations package (which had to be pulled because it was so far from the truth). Guess you forgot that when you hired the current election official. Responsibility? Have the last 10 years been responsible? Have the last 2 years with Marsha and Jana been "responsible?"

Really gals? Really?

Now, let us talk about the "secret" email sent out by members of the YMCA with some degree of involvement from Mr. Hiddleston. Four people decided to come up with their own plav for what should be done AFTER Billie with the YMCA presented what the CLDC came up with---and it was not what was presented to the WECRD Board. Why were the other people on the CLDC not involved with the "new" idea? Please, do not act shocked! I am sure there was a BCC to all of you and probably a not so public, public meeting on the "new" idea.

All of you should be ashamed that you have taken this community on a ride for 10 years. You should be ashamed that you have over 2 million saved. You should ALL be ashamed that you have turned your backs on the youth of this community. But, you are not. None of you have any integrity.

Nice web page. Perhaps try to focus on some facts for a change. The last 2 years with you gals makes my case.

Wow, read Tracy's blog today. Didn't realize the conflict of interest with the election manager (Betty Ashcraft) for the WRECD. The election manager/vote counter should not be on the payroll of the persons being elected?

How can Betty be working for either of the incumbernts and be the person who ensures that the vote ballots are counted correctly?

Should she exclude herself from being the election manager and allow someone who is not on the WRECD payroll do the job?

Why would this have not been caught in the past?

I am a little dismayed to say the least. I also read Art Nelson's blog and he references the same thing about the election manager.

This seems to me to be a real conflict of interest. Wow.

Since Halloween is on Sunday, I would guess then. If your preferred religion prohibits that, then I would guess your children would just not participate. If any trick-or-treaters come by our house Saturday they will be out of luck.

My last post was from Judy and Art's web page.

Oh Golly!!! More WECRD scandal...

Is this an election?

Last month I was forwarded an email Marsha Sellers sent out. She sent the email to, among others including employees of the WECRD, Betty Ashcraft, the district Election Official, as well as another employee, and someone under contract with the WECRD asking them to vote for her and Jana and to tell ten friends. Maybe not a big deal but one would think inappropriate for someone who signs the recipients' paychecks to ask the recipients to vote and campaign for her.

Betty Ashcraft is the Election official. She was hired by the WECRD board to be in charge of getting the ballots, hiring people to work the election, counting the ballots, and ultimately declaring the winners of the election. Ms. Ashcraft has also been the Public Liaison for the WECRD for years, in addition to serving alongside Jana's husband, David Borgolthaus, on the nonprofit Recreation Foundation's Board. It seems inappropriate that someone so closely tied in with the WECRD and the foundation would be hired to be the Election Official. This email shows Ms. Ashcraft not being an impartial Election Official. Ms. Ashcraft is campaigning for the current appointed board members that Judy and I are running against. How are we supposed to get a fair election when the election official is sending off emails in favor of our opponents? What else is she willing to do to get her employers and associates elected? Only time will tell. You can see in this video, Admonishment when Tracy Lauric objected to the WECRD board hiring Betty Ashcraft as the district Election Official. I wonder how many votes it's going to take to overcome this kind of prejudice by someone whose office at least requires the appearance of impartiality.

Proof of the email:

https://docs.google.com/document/edit?id...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7o9o2L2nI...

Naughty-naughty WECRD Board.

Good job Art, the same was said about Leanna when she run for the board, only reason she was running was to dissolve the WECRD which wasn't true then and is NOT now. It shows good character to stand up to the questions and not lie about things like that has been done so many times in the past with the current board or no answer at all.

Art / Judy

I'm a bit curious. Did either of you sign the petition to dissolve the WECRD? I heard that one or both of you had signed that petition.

Paul Revere,

Did you honestly just call me a "tool"

? what are you 12 or something like that?

You can try to play it off any way you want but bottom line the arguments you were attacking people with were VERY biased and you tried very hard to play yourself off as a concerned citizen only wanting what was best for Mountain Home. Then as the arguments progressed you became emotional and the TRUTH about you and the motivation behind your posting on here came out.

Try to play the politician and put your slant on it if you want but the only one you are fooling is yourself.

What "we" voted for in 2001 right from the ballot:

"A 'YES' VOTE WILL CREATE A RECREATION DISTRICT GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY ORGANIZED TO ACQUIRE, PROVIDE, MAINTAIN AND OPERATE PUBLIC RECREATION CENTERS AND/OR RELATED FACILITY CONSTRUCTION WITHIN THE GREATER ELMORE COUNTY AREA."

Funny, I do not see where "we" voted for pools.

As far as the 66% thing being flung like dung on this web page---it was 60% who voted for it. And...it was 60% of those who voted----NOT 60% of those within the district. BIG DIFFERENCE.

Stinger, at least have your facts together. From what I have read on Judy and Art's web page, they want to create recreation now not get rid of the district. That is more than anybody else on the WECRD Board has ever done.

At least be factual.

What has the WECRD done for us.

1. Raised taxes CONTRARY to what was voted for.

2. Paid $500,000 for land worth far less than that.

3. Until Let's Play (this year) contributed under $3,000 in "recreation" for this community in 10 years.

4. Withheld the GreenPlay Report in 2008 from the public until nearly the day prior to the election.

Oh, an there are other things. Yep, the WECRD Board has a lot to be proud of indeed. At the 2009/2010 budget hearing we BEGGED the WECRD Board for money for recreation. All 3 had a flat no. Seems like they failed the voters on all levels when you look at the facts. Shall we review the law on what a recreation district SHOULD be. Yes.

For the entire story:

http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/idstat/...

For those who do not wish to search:

31-4302.Declaration of public benefit. Providing adequate recreation facilities for public use is hereby declared to be a public benefit, use and purpose which enhances the value and quality of life and which materially assists in correcting or eliminating many social ills such as delinquency, crime, excessive use of alcohol, drug abuse and discrimination.

Seems to me that higher taxes for nothing have contributed to social ills, crime, etc. The last 10 years speak for themselves.

Again, fight with facts not gossip and bull.

LOL, Stock,,,,sold that, made a handsome profit, thank you much. I see you agree with her way more than you used too, flip flopper. LOL

Stinger:

I don't think Judy and/or Art want to dissolve the WECRD. But to be sure about your facts, call them, e-mail them or sit down and talk with them. As far as voting for a "pool plan"? I could be wrong about this too, but I don't think the vote had anything to do with a pool. I'll look into that one. But I sure would like to see SOMETHING for the tax dollars I have paid other than $20K-$40K surveys and studies. I guess you could call the surveys and studies a form of recreation. Some citizens/taxpayers have gotten lots of exercise from "getting the run-around" and "jumping through hoops".

Stinger:

Do we get a refund (plus interest) for something that hasn't even begun to materialize? So far we have received NOTHING as far as a recreation center goes for our hard-earned dollars.......NADA......ZIPPO......ZILCH!

Something, anything for the community, at this point, would be better than the nothing that we've received so far.

Cannot please everyone all of the time, but at least BEGIN what was promised for our monies. I think folks just are very frustrated with this whole fiasco at this point. So everyone cannot agree on a POOL at this time. Just get the darned thing going and hopefully at some point in the near future a pool would become a feasible addition, hopefully pleasing ALMOST everyone.

Years ago we voted and paid for a new school, which was to be the High School. Lo and behold, it's still the Jr. High, but at least we got something (a school) that benefits the community and our children/grandchildren for our dollars. Hopefully one day it will be monetarily feasible to add tennis courts so we can hold matches on our turf instead of having to utilize the base courts for home matches. May never happen, and neither may a pool for the rec center, but at least could we have something???????

"The Western Elmore County Recreation District's mission is to promote the construction and operation of a year-round family recreation and community complex center. This facility is to be located in Mountain Home, Idaho. The WECRD seeks to achieve this mission by raising funds from individuals, corporations and foundations interested in supporting this community through investment in its members. The purpose of this community complex is to enhance the health, well-being and quality of life for all Greater Mountain Home individuals and families."

Funny, I thought part of the "Mission" was to create "recreation" debt-free that ALL in this community could enjoy/use---not just 12-15% of this community. My how things ("Missions") change over time.

Paul Revere,

Entertaining to say the least sport...

Funny isn't me when I do or do not agree with OM's point of view on topics.

VERY funny is when you are called out for your biased attacks on those opposed to the nuke power plant and then ADMIT you have stock in the fiasco and are looking forward to leaving Mountain Home in your rear view mirror...

I believe that is a fair enough representation of your babbling at the time.

What's wrong couldn't get orders out of here yet?

I find it funny that Justcantwatch used to banter with OM on here and now I see how you are always backing her up....I wonder'

You can see our Government really has a handle on the money they spend and don't even keep track of where it is going.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101007/ap_o...

I was just giving my opinion, free speech and all. You ever heard of that?

Unless the school had a fantastic fundraiser that I was unaware of, I would guess the money is coming from you (if you pay property tax), me and everyone else who is paying for the recently passed levy.

Very touching! The "Paynes celebrate 50th" article just about made me cry! :) Congratulations to this hard working and close knit family.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/10/05/mem...

Your so right Midea, bondyweb posts alot of other things on his travels and rock hurting, I have always enjoyed read the site but never comment on it. I will support Art and Judy 100% to see if we can get recreation back on track instead of the monster building and pools. This is the site instead just the link I put in.

http://www.bondyweb.com/

For those that don't read bondywebs blog this is a good one that alot of us need to go along with and vote for Art and Judy.

http://www.bondyweb.com/2010-idaho-elect...

Both of them will get my vote.

Thanks bondyweb for posted in on your blog

The rest of the story on former P&Z commissioner Courtney's favorite businessman.

http://thestreetsweeper.org/undersurveil...

"Corrections Officer Charged".... As if these young men don't already have enough to deal with.

What a joke the State is doing over a settlement, putting half the money in the general fund to waste. How about treating those that got the medicine which wasn't approved.

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2010/10/01...

Loved the letter from the former County P&Z Commissioner on the company with zero revenue, 14 million spent, and no end in sight.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iiMQ9Ede...

Once again we have to learn about local events from a source in Boise.

http://www.ktvb.com/news/Chase-involving...

It does not say what type or where the robbery was. It makes sense to me to alert the public so they can call in when they see suspects. Guess town leaders figure we might not be that smart.

Why is my blog not showing up on the list??

MM:

Nothing has been "hijacked." It is fairly rare that I post on the BB at all these days and I do try to keep my comments under my own blog---for the most part anyway. When I started my own blog, the MHN rules did not include that I could not post on the BB. Just because you had hoped for that really does not make it so.

As for your poor me act---you try to portray that you are the "victim" of me/OM. I only pointed out that you hide behind this persona of such a great person who does great things for this community when in reality you are a pretty foul mouthed man. I commend your communtiy support...just not that this project has you in charge given the facts. If they saw what you had posted, I am sure they would have felt the same way sir. Walk the walk and talk the talk.

Those were my points. And, it was you who put your name out there, not me. I just put 2 + 2 together and managed to come up with 4. The MHN did a story on your project---with a photo of you. You let the cat out of the bag. Not me.

Diapers, twit, how long is that leash. All such nice comments from you toward me. Thank you. Time for a boot change. Things with you sure are deep. Play the victim MM. You are good at it.

MrMister,

Hmmm got urself some "pollys" of your own there huh? Odd you never minded when I agreed with comments YOU made in the past..... But as soon as you see a chance to attack anyone who agrees with OM's views on the WECRD fiasco you attack like a vindictive school girl. I would suggest you take your personal vendetta and pull ur big girl panties up and get over it. I will agree sharing your personnel info/name on here is NOT ok and if OM did that she was WAYYYY WRONG for doing so, so does that make me YOUR "polly" now?

"UHmmm, I think that people who take the time and volunteer to help others should be commended, not ridiculed for their effort. "

Believe it or not SOME people (myself for one) consider all the effort OM put into holding the wecrd people accountable was a very good public service as well yet certain individuals ridicule and personnally attack her on this BB almost daily.....

MrMister...

Yes, it is pathethic what the BB has become... although it reminds me of a proverb I heard a long time ago--

A wise man never knows all, only fools know everything. :)

Have a good night.

OM, my boxers are fitting just fine: You, however, appear to be having diaper issues.

"As for your other comments---well, not even really worht the time it would take to respond."...meaning you don't have a response...now, to my response.

It would seem that I don't know what you're talking about. What do you mean by stating "At least keep things in context Mr. Hobby and present the facts"? Which "facts" have I not presented or misconstrued? How have I taken anything out of context?

Yes, my "filthy" mouth has caused me to be deleted through the use of acronyms, to include one asking people to "shut the blank up" (of which I apologized to SL because it wasn't meant for her, but immediately followed her post). Oh, I might have thrown in the most common word for "hades" also. I'm willing to bet that you've been deleted more often than me. (you are really reaching now, aren't you?)

But, what's your point? Are you trying to misdirect again? Are you trying to "inflame" people into thinking that I am a bad guy? Please explain to me how anything "filthy" I wrote got you on the attack. And, especially, please explain how you tie a worthwhile cause into attacking. (all of a sudden, it's a great project to you)

Face it, you've been on the attack ever since I disagreed with you. You're always on the attack with anyone that disagrees with you. And the funny part (if anyone cares to archive previous posts), is that you have proven yourself time and again as an overbearing, trash-slinging twit.

All anyone needs to do is archive past entries to the BB and they will see right through you. I've never alluded to vote tampering, have you?

Until next time, see ya twit. (Hope I kept everything in context)

P.S. thanks tiger87--It's pathetic what the BB has evolved into, isn't it? Or, I should say, re-evolved into.

Well said MrMister!

Hey, something positive for a change, Mountain Home High School Homecoming Parade is today at 2:00pm. Parade will wind thru town and past the schools so get out and support the students. There will be some great floats and the kids are really excited about all the events. Please take a moment out of your day and support our towns youth. Homecoming game against Middleton starts at 7:00pm at Tiger Field. Hope to see you there.

In response to the notice about printing errors--

I normally don't have much to say, but as a coeditor of a small town newspaper when I was fresh out of highschool years ago...this paper lacks passion for news. Our population was about the same as Mtn Home, if not smaller, and our paper was far more dense with community stories and events, columns and photographs. Not only does the Mtn Home Newpaper lack substance, but depth as well. Many stories are void of the facts, or based on opinionated statements and updated well after the news breaks elsewhere. So it seems rediculous to even appologize for the misprint of your paper when every week you present it to the citizens of Mtn Home with lackluster efforts. Same ole' same ole' ....I will be thinking twice about putting forth my hard earned money next year for a subscription when word of mouth seems to get the story to me faster and with more facts.

can't just watch, just laughting me butt off over your comment, I know where you stand on the issue of the WECRD and am sure OM will keep posting away and for those that don't like it tough. Find something else to read.

lovemthome: I see again you have taken it upon yourself to tell others what they should or shouldn't do as usual. Everyone has their opinion and if you don't like what someone else has to say then don't read it. FYI its the WECRD not what you decided to call it. A lack of good info and the lack of signatures put an end to the petition which I might add you didn't do much of anything to support but run your mouth as only you can and think it is ok.

Fleetwood Mac!

Forgive me if I sound ignorant...but what's wrong with painting people's houses.

I agree with him. It was rather obvious that the tone of the comment was to prompt good comments about AFAD, as it was so well put together, and the park looked great afterwards, thanks to the help of the LDS churches.

Right back at you Mr. Hobby. They asked for a comment---did not say what they wanted the content to be. You always have the choice to read or not read. Go paint a house or something for goodness sake.

AFAD was excellent this year. =) Glad to know that what was probably my last AFAD for a while was such a special day.

I do want to extend my condolences to the McRae's. I'm a friend of Ryder's brother, Ty. I'd also like to thank McMurtrey Chapel and Rost Funeral home for putting together such a touching service, highlighting all the wonderful parts of Ryder's life.

Guess someone didn't like the tank on display here.

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2010/09/19...

I am kind of shocked that there are not more posts on here about AFAD. It is a very big day in our little town! I would like to comment that I sure do miss BINGO. I was sad to see that is was not there again this year....anyone out there know why? I don't. I sure do hope to see it again in the future....

You guys are argueing over and child that is no longer with us.....a child. If you want to continue to be rude and disrespectful...email each other. DROP IT

Oh excuse me, I should of vented my frustrations in private? Quite the opposite, I have lost a child to a horrible tragedy and I speak about child safety for a reason because I'm tired of losing our kids, I have said nothing offensive here, you all have been the one's calling names.

I asked a valid question, you people are the one's harping on it. I am entitled my opinion, just as you are yours. Some light needs to be shed on this accident, so this won't keep happening to little kids. Maybe you care more about the adults feelings, I care more about kid's safety and keeping them alive long enough to become adults.

Moanah

I bet there has been a time or two in your life where you have said, Should of, would have, could have. People make mistakes and learn from them every day. Unfortunately this time the end result was tragic, leave that poor family alone and drop it.

Monah - here's my opinion on this - stop harping on what you think other's should have done, and asking questions that will only make a terrible situation worse. If you want to know something, go find out on your own without dragging it out in public.

To Moanha..

Do you really think that you have to remind this family of this right now? They already know that they should have made sure he was wearing a helmet.

I am truly sorry this happened, I am just sick and tired of losing kids in this community because of lack of basic safety (wearing a helmet) no excuse for not wearing one. I do pray for the family, I just don't want to see this happen again because those in charge of young kids don't put thier foot down and enforce safety especially driving a vehicle at a high rate of speed.

looking over the posts... I was impressed by McKenna Charter High School and the way they got their new school built for a reasonable price and without much fanfare. Maybe the WERCD should look to see how they accomplished that. Plus it is a great school for the kids you choose to attend

I have concerns over how this poor 12 yr. old child died. It was a horrible tragedy, but why was he riding an ATV on the side of Airbase Road without a helmet, which killed him? I don't understand how parents can allow this to happen.

Thank you. =)

As far as the danceline story. What the district had said was that all activities would be axed if the levy failed as in they would lose school funding and "activity" status. Losing that status would have made it difficult (but not impossible) to come back and have a substantial member base, and some activities cannot compete if they are not school-sponsored activities, like debate. I am not 100% sure what the procedure is now- we have a student working on that story for our print edition (which will be available on our website after we go to print), so hopefully she got the details. I do know, however, that the four activities that got cut are coming back in the same fashion, or at least trying to.

The WECRD Board has a long standing reputation with the media---"NO COMMENT." I am sure they were given the chance but are working on something smart to say and a platform. This could take a while...

Is it odd that only the two people that are running against the long time recreation directors are interviewed in this weeks paper?

Check out tigertribune.org tomorrow around eight for an exclusive update regarding the MHSD. =D Just a hint.

Sometimes I think things get lost in the "Your Stories"

Looking for Rodeo competitor pictured in 1970 Photo Contest Winner

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Robert Demetry

In 1968-1971 I was stationed at Mt. Home AFB and entered the Asahi Pentax World Photo Contest and won a Grand prize trip to Japan. One of the two winning photos was of a Mt. Home cowboy named Donald E. Roberson at a local rodeo. I believe his parents owned a tack and clothing shop on the road to the air base at the time.

How sad to lose someone so young. My heart goes out to this family.

ms.molly, what are you trying to say here.

OpinionMissy: I don't know when this meeting was held BUT...I was pricing property in Featherville within the last few months. I can say I wasn't shocked by the price of a 1 acre lot. I was disgusted. The prices for land up there is sky high and I wouldn't be looking in that area any more. I also talked to another man who was looking at land and he passed on (a rumor?) some info...there hasn't been any property sold in the Featherville area in quite awhile. If the school district wants to make some good money, price it right and it will sell. But Featherville is not Manhattan or Tokyo or even McCall. What kind of business experience do these folks selling "our land" have?

New restaurant in town. My wife and I ate at the Manhatten Cafe yesterday. What a great place. The food selection is great, portion size well- let's say you will not go home hungry. Try the California Rueben. Great service-very friendly. The decor is fantastic, the best decor or all the restaurants in town. They have uncovered the orignal brick. You think this is a downtown Boise eatery.This is a must place to go to. My wife and I will be regulars. We have lived in Mtn. Home since 1979 and believe the Manhatten Cafe will upscale all the restaurants in town. They are in the old Mellon Hotel next to the candy store. We don't have to settle now for same old place running on a shoe string! A place worth visiting. Just fantastic!!!

I'd like to correct a part of my story about the high school paper's website. The URL is tigertribune.org not tigertribuneonline.org. I contacted the paper about it and they said it would be fixed, but until then! =)

Scoutin, I think you messed up this time, I have copies of last weeks and this weeks paper and both have the obituaries in them, there one only one this week and it was Tommy Parsons on page A 6, so the news is not always wrong lol.

But look at the editorial this week about telling others to quit whinning and do something when that article is just as bad about whinning.

I am positive due to the fact we live in the greatest country. Despite the many disagreements and mudslinging on the banter box, at least we are able to discuss things like we have been.

And who would be the trolls? That's just rude and uncalled for.

Wait for it...wait for it...

Ms. Lauric, That doesn't make sense you don't want to 'waste' your time. You claimed to have already put countless hours upon hours into this....? Why all of the sudden, when you're so close do you decide the petition is was waste of your time? What happened to your promise to the people to finish the petition? huh.... funny how people randomly change their minds.

I still am waiting to hear back from you on the education topic we were discussing.

Ms. Smith, I believe that I stated, with respect to the petition, that anyone who would like to take it over can feel free to contact Eagle and he will make sure that all blank forms and information (WECRD info and copies) is handed over. My work schedule and other things in my life do not allow for "free" time and I have made a choice to spend my few moments of "free" time in other ways. If people cannot attend the meetings and see what these people are doing for themselves, then I do not have the time to waste.

Mr. Nelson, I have a question. How do you feel about a bond or loan to build this proposed facility? Do you feel that it is okay to raise taxes to cover the costs of a building for which we do not have the money for?

Ooops. One more question. What is your position on being taxed for this facility at a rate other than what was voted for and then being forced to pay to use it? The projected cost to use this facility is now projected to be much higher than what GreenPlay had proposed. Why is that?

Thank you for your response. Good luck.

My name is Art Nelson and I am running for one of the WECRD director positions. I'd be happy to answer anyone's questions so please feel free to email me at artnelson1234@gmail.com. Thanks.

It is public record. Ms. Mayne and Mr. Nelson will run. Both have been pretty involved and know the WECRD. Awwwwww. The end of the "Molly folly" and 3 stooges comedy in MH each month. Now, this project may really have some hope. I guess we shall see. Come on NOVEMBER!!!

finally the talk only opposition to the recreation district is talking some real action. there are two outsiders running for the two open seats. this should settle the controversy.

Read and decide for yourself and wait to see what this district does.

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2010/09/02...

We have the finest first reponders here in Mountain Home. Our safety and health are well cared for here in Mountain Home. I sleep well knowing our Fire Dept. Sherriffs Dept, Ambulance Crew and Mt. Home Police are second to none. Well done men and women!

yoB:

Will a big gym with all of the bells help you to learn algebra? Will a big fancy computer lab make you any better at working a computer if you do not put in the effort? No.

The sooner you kids take responsibility for YOUR education the better off we will all be. All of this fancy stuff---like the building that was proposed---was not going to help you learn. If you are lazy, you are lazy. If you do not want to learn and make the most of your education then you turn out the way that you turn out.

Many of our grandparents, probably yours included, were educated in 1 room school houses. No fancy gyms, no computers. All of this kids in 1 room. Wow! 60-100 kids in 1 room...how did they ever become productive members of society in conditions like that?!?!?!?! Well, they did and even managed to survive the great depression without welfare. Why? Because they had a work ethic and a life ethic.

yoB, your life is what you CHOOSE to make of it. I am sorry that you feel the taxpayers of this community are responsible to motivate you and keep you in fancy schools, etc. I would direct you to once again read the law on what you are "ENTITLED" to as far as education. If you choose to be lazy and just get by, that is on you and your parents. A big, fancy school was not going to help you.

As far as welfare---we have generation welfare in this country. People who think it is their right to breed over and over and live off of those of us that work. It is many times bred into people. They learn from a very early age how to work the system. If our welfare system drug tested, 70% of the people on welfare would be off welfare. If we had mandatory sterilization for people who breed for "sport" we would have less people on welfare. An MBA would not help this class of people because they have been raised/bred to do as little as they can to get by---just like you speak of---and collect a check.

I would suggest having a conversation with your very wise grandfather on how bad your life is being subjected to the education system we have here. Let him explain how things SHOULD work. Then, your next beef should be with the MHSD and all of the over-paid folks at the top. They are no better than AIG. The reason kids in the district do not have enough books is because the MHSD cannot manage their money. Why does the money man for the MHSD make over $40.00 per hour? Why does the McMurtrey family make over $160,000? Why is our education system more about sports and LESS about, of all things, EDUCATION?

Nice data yoB. Now how about the stats on the MHSD? Let us see how we measure up and if WE, as taxpayers, get what we pay for. Now that is a good read.

Idaho has some of the lowest educational standards in the nation.

-- Posted by yoB on Tue, Aug 31, 2010, at 9:29 PM

Please provide your source.

Ahem,

I was not referring to either of the "reports" you mentioned. And if my comments appear "arrogant" and "ignorant" to you, well, maybe your manner of conversing has rubbed off on me a bit. After all, you and your disciples own this venue, right? So it would only be natural to follow your ways. You and your chosen ones can't accept any dissent whatsoever from your ideals and beliefs on how things should go for any situation, whatsoever, discussed on the BB.

So please spare me the lesson on what does and doesn't count as valid opinion on this site. You devalued it ALL a long time ago.

Homeless,

You may remember the words printed below. It seems now that these words apply to you. In my opinion you have no stake in any of these issues but instead, choose to use your energy in an effort to discredit one individual.

"Isn't it great to watch to the scorn of two people? Instead of actually attempting to come together and fix what they perceive as a problem, (I guess none of us other citizens care enough) they go for each others throats like a pack of those pesky wolf's we all love to shoot so much. Awww conservatism such a lovely process to see up close; watch as the righteous few will begin casting stones by comparing the other to a rival politician. 'O' you Obama supporters such a crazy bunch always failing at things and the use of "ObamaMissy," I must say outstanding!"

-- Posted by Mtnhomeless on Sat, Aug 28, 2010, at 12:36 PM

Homeless:

You are correct. I did not comment at the gym during the levy hearings/meetings. I had little info on the subject at that point and needed to do my own research and did not feel at that point in time that I could make any comments based on facts/data. I did however go to the MHSD Board Meeting on the subject and I did speak. If there is one thing that I have learned about the MHSD it is that they are less than truthful with the public and if they say the sky is blue, it is still best to see for yourself.

As far as class size goes...I offer up no sympathy on the issue. Many of us out there learned in less than ideal conditions with high student numbers, etc. Many of us even managed to pass our standardized tests and score above average---in less than ideal conditions mind you. Many of us went on to become college graduates, etc. My education was what I made of it. I had good teachers, outstanding teachers, boring teachers and teachers who just collected a check and could have cared less if you learned or not. The point is, my education was my deal.

So...did the kids "need" an indoor track and multiple basketball courts? Nope! Not a state mandate. Did the gym need to be 2 levels? Nope. Not a state mandate. Those are the facts I made reference to.

I am glad that you could care less where your taxes go or what your money is spent on. Must be nice but then I am sure you have far more pressing issues in your life than 10 years of taxes for nothing. Good for you.

Homeless:

I would ask if you state that I said something to someone that you at least have your facts together. To make it easy for you, here is my comment, in part:

"And MM, the Shaw Snow Report was ignored. The WECRD Board did not like what was in it and it was moth balled. So yes, it was ignored---just like the out of date before it was even done, $13,000 GreenPlay Report. So Mr. Hobby---know for which you speak. As always, you add so much to this debate with your arrogant, ignorant comments. Always a pleasure.

"

-- Posted by OpinionMissy on Mon, Aug 30, 2010, at 8:26 PM

As far as the rest of your garbage, it is well settled on this forum (at least according to some) that I am "against anything that will improve MH or make my taxes higher." This is not true. We donate to youth organizations in town. I also volunteer my time for various things as well. As far as your comment on the schools, if you had your poop in a group, you would have at least "fought" back with facts.

The levy that was just passed, does NOT buy books for the kids that need them. Had you done your research, you would know that.

The bond. Ah yes, the bond. The MHSD lied to the public and said that enrollment numbers were up when for years they were on the decline. When we checked the state website for the facts, and caught the MHSD with their pants down...that is when people started to see the light. They also wanted a BIG fancy gym, 2, 3 or 4 which they said was REQUIRED by the state. When we checked on that (and by "we" I mean people other than just me) that "fact" was simply not true. These are the things that make a person kind of doubt the integrity of those in charge---when they feel they must lie to get what they want.

As far as the WECRD. Up until a few months ago, the WECRD had given back to the youth of this community under $3,000.00 in 10 years. At the budget hearing last year, I BEGGED along with 2 other people for a line item in their budget to fund youth recreation programs. The WECRD Board----all 3---SAID NO.

As for seniors. I have sat on this BB and said time and time again how hard they have it and how they are on fixed incomes and need LESS tax. So, for you to say what you said was pretty much a lie on that front. I would very much like to see a nice place with rent control for seniors to live in our community based on income and ability to pay that is not a nursing home. I think that is a FAR more worthy project than the last 10 years of the WECRD, IMHO. And for your information---I spend a lot of time around town bringing food to seniors who are not well or just want something to eat.

So, while you sit in judgment of me, you probably need to take a really good, long look in the mirror. I cannot tell you when the last time was that I said no to someone who asked me for help. How about you?

Anti kids. That comment alone proves how ignorant a person really can be without much effort. Rest your poor little hands homeless. I know how taxing typing can be (me being in charge of paperclips and pens for a living and all). Must go and count staples now.

Oh wow twestall, it was so nice of you and your 31 years how stupid everyone sounds on the BB. I see you put alot of effort into writing something good about Mt Home and all you have done with your 31 years here. Looks like you could try a bit better to help with all the problems to improve things. I have seen very few people that comment say they hate Mt. Home so maybe your the one that should leave or get that chip of your shoulder. You really got off to a good start with your comment. NOT, NOT, NOT.

It has nothing to do with not liking Mtn. Home at all. It has to do with survival. Would you like to over pay your income taxes and not get a refund? I would guess not. If you folks want a big fancy recreation center then start holding car washes, yard sales, etc. and build one with YOUR money. Do not rely on the tax payers for your recreation and "fun."

This economy is not going to get any better. We need to figure out what we can AFFORD and work with that.

It has nothing to do with not liking to live in MH. However, when you work hard and you cannot get ahead no matter how hard you work/try----being taxed like this tends to leave a bad taste even in Mother Theresa's mouth.

So, for those of you that want to bash on those of us who dare to speak up I put this out there for you. Go to 1-2 WECRD Meetings and see how you feel after one or two. These things are not fun or entertaining. It is sad. It is really sad and this people get away with this crap! Why? Because nobody wants to be bothered. Nobody has time. Someone is friends with someone on the Board yadda-yadda-yadda.

What about right and wrong?

And MM, the Shaw Snow Report was ignored. The WECRD Board did not like what was in it and it was moth balled. So yes, it was ignored---just like the out of date before it was even done, $13,000 GreenPlay Report. So Mr. Hobby---know for which you speak. As always, you add so much to this debate with your arrogant, ignorant comments. Always a pleasure.

The original survey wasn't ignored.

Good news for all that been having a problem making a comment on the banter box. MH news had their tech person move the archives to another page and its working just fine for me now hope it works for all the rest that had the problem. Thanks Joy.

IMO surveys miss the mark. Who doesn't want a pool? The only question is can we afford what we want. The YMCA/CLDC generated building costs over three months ago but asked for those handouts back, rather than publish them at breakneck speed like they did the survey. Why would that be? The survey is flawed and being corrected but because it gave a boost to the pool nazis it was published right away with all its mistakes. Is it more likely that the CLDC hired a survey company that didn't realize that using the 2000 census numbers and adding in 40% growth that took place from 1990 to 2000 with the economic times of the last few years, would greatly skew the numbers, or that the survey and the breakneck speed with which it was published were designed to garner support for pools?

Option three will cost about 10 million to build. The WRECD has about 2 million right now. They save about 250 thousand a year. They are 8 million short, divided by 250 thousand saved per year it will take 32 years to get the money together. Oh but wait they can get donations. If they can make up this huge 8 million dollar shortfall with donations so easily, then why are they so tightfisted with the crummy little 250 thousand per year they squirrel away?

Just how much more money are the tax payers going to put up with on surveys at WECRD.

Read the July minutes on the WECRD site.

http://www.wecrd.org/pdf/minutes/7-28-10...

Survey done by Starategic Research Associates ( Market Study for the CLDC to the tune of $10,000 that didn't really prove all that much.

This is one of the surveys.

http://www.wecrd.org/pdf/SurveyReport.pd... and this wasn't the phone survey.

By the time enough money is gathered to build anything all the surveys that have been done in the pass are outdated.

Isn't it great to watch to the scorn of two people? Instead of actually attempting to come together and fix what they perceive as a problem, (I guess none of us other citizens care enough) they go for each others throats like a pack of those pesky wolf's we all love to shoot so much. Awww conservatism such a lovely process to see up close; watch as the righteous few will begin casting stones by comparing the other to a rival politician. 'O' you Obama supporters such a crazy bunch always failing at things and the use of "ObamaMissy," I must say outstanding!

Oh and Quid, while I am at it...since I am all about accountability let me have a few more parting shots to clear things up.

I did "fail" with the petition in that "I" did not have enough signatures to complete the task, the reasons for that clearly do not matter with you, and in the end all that matters is that I "failed" (never mind the others who had a hand in this). Oh well. I tried. I gave up weekends with my family, financial resources, etc. but at least I tried. I did NOT vote to create this taxing district and it is not my problem alone to fix.

There were about 9 people (not including the WECRD Board and their employees and attorney) at the last meeting. 4 of those people are the same people who waste their time, take time from their family and business to keep track of the 3 Stooges more commonly known as the WECRD Board and have done so for YEARS now. A taxing district that has STOLEN from the members of this community for over 10 years! Changed the way they tax us. Lied on Government forms to obtain appropriations funds (aka TAX DOLLARS). Donated OUR money to things other than recreation and the list goes on and on. Yet only 9 people cared enough to attend a meeting.

Well---pardon me if I do not feel inclined to WASTE more of my time on this than I already have. If members of the public are too darn lazy to attend meetings and see how YOUR money is being spent then I am too darn lazy to spend another 300 or so hours re-obtaining signatures to rid people of more taxes when they cannot be bothered to attend ONE stupid meeting. That feeling is pretty mutual among "my" group that went door to door and spent hours upon hours in parks and parking lots handing out info and obtaining signatures.

In a time where every dime, dollar and penny counts you would think some from the public could be involved a bit more. This is a lot of money we are talking about. And, according to the most recent results, we will be lucky to see a "facility" with a pool in the next 10 years unless the WECRD Board plans to go for a bond or get a loan (or lie on more federal forms to obtain money). So, while you sit out there and question my credibility----which you are correct---I "failed" remember that you are being taxed for this and you pay for the "free----appropriations" money that is being thrown at this project and still after 10 years...NOTHING.

So Quid, I have "failed." I am accountable for that and own that statement. Life is full of disappointment. I am pretty sure I will get over it and one day soon be able to show my face in public and face my critics. Like today---when I go to town. If you think I give a rats posterior what people think of me, you are wrong.

I "failed," I can admit that. It happens. I will not spend one more second of my life on that petition. If a town of 13,000+ could care less about it, neither do I. I am sure others feel the same way even if they choose not to say so.

Taxation without representation is just STUPIDTY. Voting something like this in without a business plan and solid plan was stupid! Allowing 10 years of taxes and tax increases is STUPID! I hope you all enjoy the nearly $1,000 per year a family will pay to join this abortion of a project---while you still PAY TAXES to support it. And to think that no elected official is willing to change any of this. Not one.

Yep, I "failed" and I am OKAY with that.

In case you didn't see it, it's about YOUR credibility, and YOUR ethics, so let's just break it down for you:

YOUR words: "Well, I am here to report that we do."- You didn't have the signatures, and you don't have the signatures, but you said you did.

"The petition will be filed and go to a vote in February, 2010."- it wasn't. You, like our buddy Obama, promised something you couldn't possible deliver just to make yourself look good. Welcome to accountability via the Internet.

" I set out to dissolve this "organization" and I feel that I should see it through and will see it through."- And you didn't see it through, did you? What kind of ethics are those?

"I promised I would turn those signatures in. That is my duty."- Some sense of duty, huh?

"I must respect that position or I am no better than the WECRD Board with respect to honest communication and clear intentions."- You said it well with that one.

OM, spouting 'facts' about her 'duty' and 'commitments', a year ago:

http://www.mountainhomenews.com/blogs/13...

What the Heck?

Posted Friday, August 28, 2009, at 9:24 PM

So, to close. Your office (the WECRD office) has stated that we do not have the signatures required to put this to a vote. Well, I am here to report that we do. When the "naysayers" started this we obtained the list of voters from the election office. We plan to obtain signatures at the budget hearing on August 26, 2009 and also at AFAD. The petition will then be turned in to the election office as required by law. We have reviewed our signatures and only had 4% that will not qualify to date. I suggest you folks gear up for a fight because the voters will now have their say with no time limits. If the WECRD would have been honest (past, present and future) this entire thing could have been avoided. We "missed" the date based on incorrect info. It is not a "legal," in print, published deadline. The petition will be filed and go to a vote in February, 2010. The Sept. 25 date was not correct either! The petition MUST now be in by December 4, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. to make the February vote. We will not "MISS" this one unless of course the date changes yet again or other "terms" come to light.

-- Posted by OpinionMissy on Tue, Sep 15, 2009, at 12:33 PM

I set out to dissolve this "organization" and I feel that I should see it through and will see it through. I made the statement I did because the WECRD Board would NEVER resign. . But since it will NEVER happen---we do not have to worry about it. So, never fear! The petition goes on because the "Big 3" will NEVER step aside and allow the YMCA to take charge and salvage this project. Never.

-- Posted by OpinionMissy on Sat, Jul 18, 2009, at 7:21 PM

We started this petition and I promised I would turn those signatures in. That is my duty. I have talked to many of the people who signed and they want the board to resign or they will not give them more time. I must respect that position or I am no better than the WECRD Board with respect to honest communication and clear intentions. I do not believe for 1 second that the current board intends to see this project through with the Y over the next 12-18 months.

-- Posted by OpinionMissy on Tue, Jul 28, 2009, at 10:36 AM

Now THAT, is the pot calling the kettle black!

So my question to all your BB people is you write all the time about the WECRD and I notice they have an opening on the board that is up for elections this fall and closes at the end of the month per the MHNEWS. Is anyone new going to run or we keeping the same people and just run our mouths all the time on the BB???

WECRD Budget Hearing TONIGHT (8/25/10) at 6:00 with the regular WECRD Board (bored) Meeting to follow at 7:00 P.M. at the WECRD office.

I have pretty much quit typing on BB as it has taken sometimes up to half an hour to type anything on this BB. Too bad such a good forum has some how gone bad as far as useage goes.

So far; I have typed for 2 minutes and haven't been able to see one word I have typed. Give it time,the words eventually show up so you can proofread it.

Ah ha. 7 minutes and my words have shown up to be able to proof read.. Now, I have to wait to proof again as I typed more words. OOPS

Total time has been 14 minutes for this post.

P.S. I too wish positive Thursday was back. I liked the little happy guy on the front page. He was special, LOL. Oh Well.

OOPS. Now total of 17 minutes to post.

@tiger87,,,

You are RIGHT on the mark, without a doubt--and it's not just the MHSD.

Thanks Vic, forgot to say I have talked to the web master at the MHN and that is why I posted and if anyone is having a problem post it here, or e-mail the web master, or call her, she is watching the comments on this and would like to know if its a problem.

Is anyone else having a problem logging into the site and making comments on the banter box, like taking forever to see your typing show up and forever to save the comments.

jdcb,

I agree with your comments. Over 30% of schools nationwide have not met AYP, so this is hardly a problem found only in Mountain Home. NCLB is a law where, even though our schools are making progress toward the goals that are set by this law, the benchmark to meet is being raised every year or two. Even if the school misses that mark by .001% in just one of the 30 subcategories, it is considered a "failing school", with no credit given for gains made from year to year. The NCLB law is in need of some revisions if it is to be attainable for 100% of students in this country, which is what the spirit of the law intended.

Although I appreciate your comments, this forum is nothing but a losing battle when it comes to issues with the school district. There are a few people who post on here who have nothing good to say about the school district, and nothing you try to explain will convince them otherwise.

Thank you for your efforts...

tiger87

I'm sure it should have read no School DISTRICT has passed the size of Mtn. Home, or larger, not school since single schools have.

Idaho:

The bottom line is this. The State of Idaho has set "standards." Regardless of what you may think of those standards, they are the standards. Further, there are schools out there that manage to do the "impossible" and pass. The mere fact that some can pass, means that the standards are not out of reach, it can be done, if people are doing their jobs (parents, students, teachers, etc.). We can grasp at straws and say that it is money, demographics, etc. But the fact is still that some schools manage to pass.

If a child fails a math test is it because the standards were too high? Was the test unfair? A failing grade is a failing grade.

Why do kids in the ESL classes speak Spanish as opposed to English? Perhaps if English was the primary language in those classes, those kids would be better prepared right?

When the MHSD was attempting to pass the bond this last time, they said enrollment was on the rise. When we checked that data with the state, that was not true. Since, it has come out, in MHSD statements that it was not true (that enrollment was up). So, class sizes are smaller. The fact that the MHSD cannot make the grade is the problem of the MHSD, not the standards. If the standards were so unjust---no schools would make the grade. Own the problem. Be accountable. This fish stinks from the head down and nobody is at fault. What are we teaching our future leaders?

Many think the ACT and SAT are unfair. Funny how most kids on their way to college take the same test yet for some it is unfair. Same questions, same amount of time to take the test, same scale for which it is graded but it is unfair. Hmmmmmmm.

As Dr. Phil would say, get real. Not all of us are a bunch of idiots who allow the tail to wag the dog.

School district students, when considered as a whole student populations, are testing proficient (check out the State Dept of Ed website, all the data is there) BUT there are over 40 subcategories that students are grouped into and evaluated. If students in even just ONE subcategory out of the more FORTY do not meet the proficiency mark then ENTIRE school does not make AYP. So basically it's like saying, "Hey, you got all "As" but you got a "D" in math so sorry, you flunk the whole year. Your fail. Too bad."

Yea and the MH School District is going to get $684,170 of the 51 million. Nice piece of change, sure am curious just how the district is going to use it and how it will effect the 2.8 million levy for this school year, any bets they will use both just like they always have and the taxpayers get to pay for both. Be so easy to pay teachers with the government money and then take the levy money and do as they please. All the articles I have read on it says the money is for teachers and NONE for ADMIN. Also none of the money is to be put in a rainy day fund as if they ever do here.

Vic Vega; No I didn't change anything but I guess the MH News is too pro this School district to allow it to remain . A shame, as it was not directed towards any school in particular.

How long is acceptable to the WRECD/CLDC/YMCA to wait for a building to be built?

Does anyone have the super secret building cost estimates on the three different buildings that were handed out twice and taken back twice?

Thanks jdcb for the link you posted, maybe you should have read them, they are for the fall of 2010 which just started and they haven't been tested on those standards yet. So I guess we all can look forward another failure coming up this school year, same as the past.

Yep jdcb I read the paper on Mcmurtrey's article in the paper, so what is your point, I didn't see anything that changed my opinion. The only thing that made any sense was the water was turned back on to green up the grass before school started, just no way the grass was burned up and then a few days of water made then all green again, doesn't work that way unless the water runs daily and for long periods and if that happened was no point in turning if off to start with.

If you would have read my comment instead of taking offensive against what I said you would see I said it takes the whole district, teachers, parents and especially the students to make the grade. I just don't see where everyone is pulling there load.

As OM stated my kids are grown and been out of school for a number of years. I am not a teacher and am not going to any of the schools to observe or help teachers or students, that is not my job, the school district has hired people to do those duties and all of them need to do it. Schools are for education not a day care center, so parents take note and start doing your part in the education system.

One other point I want to bring up is why the High School needs a Principle, and 2 assitances and then one assistance has to be shared between the Junior High and Hacker, it would appear to many people on the payroll that aren't needed in time of budget lows and just what do all those people do on a daily basis. It sure looks like to many at the top and not enough workers, which leads to budget problems.

Let someone please "own" the situation with our schools. Some of us on here (like myself) have no children much less children in the school district. Eagle has adult children but has had children in the MHSD.

The bottom line is this. Kids are not passing the standardized tests and our schools do not make the grade regardless of how you feel about those "tests." The fact that some schools can pass, is a red flag to me and tells me that someone/something is lacking.

When the money was flowing, our schools still did not make the grade. Kids (some) read below level and some do not pass basic skills tests in math, etc. Who is at fault?

I can tell you this---it is NOT the taxpayer(s). It is the parents who do not work with their kids for whatever the reason. It is the teacher who has decided the kid just "does not get it." It is the EDUCATION SYSTEM and those who RUN IT.

I have worked in these schools. In the ESL classroom kids speak Spanish. They are not made to learn the English language or encouraged to do so. There are Spanish speaking teachers in those rooms and little English flows. This is why those kids cannot pass these tests and our schools fail. ESL classes should help these kids learn to communicate in ENGLISH. I have also worked in Special Ed at Hacker. I have nothing "bad" to say about the people in these classes. They work hard. The teachers and aides were always great and worked well with the kids.

Maybe if we did not pay the top folks so much there would be money for books and technology. Do McMurtrey and his wife really need to make right around $167,000 between the both of them. Our education system is like healthcare in this country. Throwing more money at it is not going to fix the problem. Time to trim the fat and get rid of the waste and focus on EDUCATION. What good are sports programs if kids cannot read at their age level and cannot pass a basic math test?

So,jdcb please spare this taxpayer the sob story about how unfair things are. For those of us out there working in places where 10 people did our jobs but it is now down to one due to cutbacks and a bad economy...that is not fair. Being put out of your home because you cannot afford the taxes is unfair. Being unemployed because illegals get the jobs is unfair. Your beef seems to be with the Idaho Department of Ed as opposed to those of us who probably pay your wages. Wow what it must be like to have a job where you have all holidays off, the summer off and 3-4 weeks off for holidays (Spring Break, Christmas, etc.). Yep, I feel bad for ya.

Here is the link to the standards. Have fun reading.

http://www.sde.idaho.gov/site/content_st...

jdcb,, Just more excuses why standards can't be met. I find it hard to believe smaller districts can meet the standards. I can't believe they have no kids with low IQ's, can't speak English or miss alot of school for whatever reason, if you miss so much you don't move on. The blame for ont speaking English goes to the parents, if they don't speak English guess what language the kids are going to speak when at home plus there will be no help from the parents to the kids. There needs to be more involvement by those that run the district, teachers, parents and most of all the students or they will never get an education. Quit worrying so much about the building, example the Junior High and all its fancy stuff that doesn't do a thing for education, money wasted. Some things need to go back in time, everything can't be done in the class room so that is where home work comes into play which the students need to be required to do and turn in to be graded. Last point is to the person that complained a while back that poor little Johnny or Mary was going to have to play in the dirt and dust due to the lawns not being watered but as I drove by a couple of schools this past Monday low and behold grass being watered in the heat of the afternoon which is just another waste and sure there were some brown spots but no worse than ;ast years. Until I see what the standards are in black and white and not a school district version either I am not buying these excuses.

Is this what the MH School district has been thinking if they don't meet the standards the Feds will step in and help with more money. The District really needs to answer up why they can't meet the standards.

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2010/08/16...

Still waiting for an answer from anyone from the WECRD/CLDC/YMCA on how long is acceptable to wait to build a building?

On a brighter, and actual recreational note, I see that someone is opening a place for kids in the stardust plaza. So that will make two privatly funded youth centers in a town that has been taxed for ten years, and spends half of those tax dollars to produce no recreation.

I suppose that this means all the surveys and market studies and interviews will have to be done over now. By the time the WRECD pull their heades out,(at least ten years), and are ready to build anything the dynamics of the town will have changed so drastically that whatever they build will be off base. But hey, it'll have a stupid pool and a puss vat. Or maybe it just means that the WECRD is an abortion that will never produce any recreation and that everyone but the pool Jihadists realize it.

Hey, I'm not saying it is right or wrong. I'm just saying that's the way it is. I'm all for transparency in government as long as it doesn't put lives in danger (and this is not one of those cases). But it if it is going to happen (and that's a big IF), it's not going to be on the BB.

'Dog -- I agree with Eagle. No one associated with those groups will address your questions in this forum. You've seen how discussions degenerate here. They don't want to be caught up in anything like that.

My guess is they would prefer to limit disseminating information through formal channels like news releases, public meetings, and official homepages if for no other reason than to publish a statement approved by their organization without getting into a back-and-forth with anonymous posters on a bulletin board.

If you want anything other than that, your best bet would be in person during the times they are available to the public.

Idaho nuclear company drops Elmore application, adds second Payette site

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2010/08/10...

Atomic Dog; You already know by now that the WECRD, YMCA, or the CLDC is not going to answers any of your questions. The "Y" has been involved for well over a year. The CLDC has been at it over a year and still nothing has changed except the WECRD has collected more tax payers dollars and spend the way they want to and the heck with the public. This whole deal is nothing but to have indoor pools for some and the rest of the public just is a loser that pays for it. Top it off the whole mess and the WECRD meetings are at 11:00 am so most of the working class can't attend and that is done for a reson so the public doesn't have much say about their tax dollars.

It would be funny if so much tax money was not involved.

I would like to know who is responsible for the elimination of the bus route to the Peregrine neighborhood. Then I would like to invite that person to tell me they would let their own child walk to West Elementary. Let me just say there are no sidewalks either way for about 7-10 blocks. There are no street lights. There are loose dogs that charge at the kids. It is 1.4 miles to West walking the Airbase road route. It is 1.7 miles walking 5th street route. My child is only 6. What about the kids in kindergarten? Are you serious? What happened to the school levy money? What is that being used for? All sports? Anyone else a little upset about this? There has to be something that can be done.

I'm just wondering why neither the CLDC nor the WRECD have a response to it taking another ten years to raise the money for a building with a pool. All the surveys and feasibility studies don't mean much if we're looking at another ten years before something is even built.

Well stated AD.

The very same "PhD" a.k.a. Sandy Pitts wrote a LTE on October 29, 2008. Here is the link:

http://www.mountainhomenews.com/scripts/.... Just in case the link does not work, the article can be found by searching "WECRD" and the article is entitled "WECRD supporter invites Bermensolo to swim in pool."

Ms. Pitts probably should have put that education of hers to better use such as researching an issue before she wrote such a "skewed" and fact-lacking LTE.

Indeed Ms. Pitts a survey was conducted! Anyone could have done it. There were several locations around town and online where the survey COULD have been done. If you wanted to respond, you could. If you did not want to respond, you did not have to. I believe that the survey was provided in a water bill, if you live in the city. If YOU chose not to participate, that was your choice. It was all over the paper that it was going on and there were also two (2) road signs in town (one near Wells Fargo Bank and another near RR Park) that said this was going on. There was also a sign posted at the famed "FUTURE HOME" of the WECRD recreation facility across from MHJH. Being as "educated" as you are--I am shocked that you missed this.

Ms. Pitts, if you would bother to attend a meeting, you would know the factual details for which you speak as opposed to the details the WECRD Board has fed you (shame on you for not checking your facts/sources).

Now Ms. Pitts. How "random" would a survey really be if it only targeted people only from a certain age group? To obtain the best information--the demographics need to vary. Funny how you can dog the CLDC (who have also ALL donated their time to fix the mess created by Molly and Company over the better part of the last 10 years) and DARE to question what is being done after TENS OF THOUSANDS of dollars have been spent by the WECRD on surveys that were FAR from "random" (such as the Shaw Snow Report). Hey, that reminds me. I find it pretty interesting that you would DARE to question the integrity of the CLDC after you were one of the people who had an advance copy of the GreenPlay Report that Molly stated was not complete----while you had a copy for several weeks prior. So, let us talk about integrity Ms. Pitts.

How "random" would a survey be and how "valid" would those results be if all of the people sampled were all over 55? Seems as if your "facts" and version of the truth is a bit "skewed" Ms. Pitts. Thank goodness you did not make it onto the MHSD Board. You have no clue. Perhaps call one of the Chairs for the CLDC or the YMCA (Billie B.) and get your facts together. People like you are what "skew" this community and have us where we are today.

Pretty funny letter you wrote. Clearly the WECRD Board helped you with those "facts." Live and learn Ms. Pitts. Live and learn.

PH with a small "d" I guess. http://www.mountainhomenews.com/story/16...

The CLDC is skewed? The only reason that the CLDC even exists is because of the pool, "supporters", or more correctly, pool Jihadists, being so skewed towards a unfundable, unsupportable, unsustainable pool. Mountain Home cannot support a pool.

The right honorable doctor was worried about 16 years? How long will it take to collect the money to build a facility with a pool? They only have 2 million dollars right now. At one point the pool Jihadists that run the recreation district said that it was going to take 12 million to build what they wanted. Even your arch enemies the CLDC infidels say that it will take 7 million to have a small pool. The Imams of the WRECD board spend half of the 450 thousand tax dollars to run a part time office and provide no recreation so that leaves about 220 thousand a year to put toward building the pool. One would hope that even a PHd could see a bit of a gap there. Maybe we can make up the gap with ....{{{{{{Imaginaaaaaation}}}}}}.... or ....[[[[[[[[[Dreams]]]]]]]]]].... or maybe like the other Jihadists, our pool Jihadists just want it to be their way and to dictate to everyone how things are going to be and any means justify the end. Lets just stone to death anyone that isn't of the pool religion. If your child is going to marry someone that is not of the pool religion then it should be lawful to honor kill them. Stupid reality infidels.

The IED/LTE probably did have its intended effect. I'm sure that the other pool Jihadists are wringing their hands, stroking their scraggly little Taliban beards, rocking back and forth in prayer to the pool god and looking forward to spending eternity with 70 Mountain Homeians that they have complete and total control over.

How about in another 20 or 30 years when you pool Jihadists get enough money to build this pool Jihadists baptismal with adjoining healing holy waters wound pool, that you put a big golden dome on top of it? Then five times a day we can all face west in homage to the slipping over the horizon of our tax dollars and the WRECD board members can belt out a prayer over the loud speaker for us.

Danecoat - And posting on here that one is home isn't personal???? I would be safe in saying that the comment was meant that she was free? Answer that, would you? I feel that she has put herself out there, thumbing her nose at everyone with her actions and comments.

The fact is - her 5 year old son shot another human being; someone else had to go to jail for her lack of responsibility; she got off scott-free and is flaunting it to this whole reading public. That isn't personal - that is public and she brought it on. What a stupid comment to make. Of course, people are going to attack and make comments.

"I am home"??? WTH does THAT mean? I will take bets from anyone that this will not be the last we hear about "Mrs. Molly".

Mrs. Molly - your post was insensitive, despicable and a slap in the face to the family who will never be the same because of you. Why would you post such an ignorant comment? Do you think that all of the readers give a crap? No, what they care about more is that you are free and unpunished. Why don't you shut your mouth, grow up and start taking responsibility for raising a well-behaved intelligent child. And maybe staying out of the bars is a good place to start

Paul Revere: I suspect your question "Why is the success of education measured by how much money is spent on it" was a rhetorical question. But I'll give my thoughts on it anyway.

I think too many people believe that our government exists only to help us instead of existing only to help us help ourselves.

Why is the success of education measured by how much money is spent on it ? Example--the recent tax hike.

acomment

Call the police you never know what the circumstances are over at your neighbors house.... Poor dog I wonder if he has any food or water

A staff sergeant assigned to the 366th Fighter Wing at Mountain Home Air Force Base has died.

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2010/07/26...

Hey Midea Maybe the lady over at Wells Fargo helped Mava embezzle the money lol ! Just Kiddin people !

I thought there was a story missing.....glad you remembered which one it was!

I know not everyone reads the Mountain Home site but this may explain to alot of folks and call them if you are having a problem.

SEDIMENT PROBLEMS IN THE CITY'S WATER SYSTEM

The City recently placed a new Well in operation. The Well is still producing some sediment as the aquifer is being developed and as it pumps at different production rates. In addition, the new Well is supplying water from a new location in our distribution system which has changed the flow patterns and is also stirring up sediment. We have received several calls from customers who have had sediment collect in toilets, bath tubs and other facilities. When calls are received, we send crews out to flush fire hydrants in the areas to try and remove as much sediment as possible. We would appreciate it if anyone experiencing a problem with sediment to their water supply to contact Public Works at 587-2108. We will gather information from you which will help us better understand the extent of the sediment problem, and also if flushing hydrants and other measures are helping. We believe this is a temporary problem and as the new flow patterns are established in the system and the Well continues to develop, the situation will steadily improve. We will be checking back periodically with those who contact us so we can track progress

Maybe not as interesting as a drug bust but worth reading.

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2010/07/16...

Yea right, keep blaming all the problems on Bush forget you been there over a year and a half and have done nothing to fix anything but spend more and more.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100708/ap_o...

Hey Mountain Home, "the Flag" should be flying at full staff today because it is a Flag Holiday.

The Flag was at 1/2 staff to mourn the death of Senator KKK so you can lower it again tomorrow.

Keep our guys who were setting up fireworks for tomorrow in your prayers -- some have been injured.

I've got a really off the wall idea--How about, anyone who doesn't think this newspaper is doing a good job, quits reading it. I know, I know, it sounds outrageous, but it's the only thing I can think of that might pacify those who continually gripe about everything the paper writes that they disagree with including, but not limited to,

timelines, "biased" opinions, and well, just overall general discontent.

Just a thought...

Dismissal based on what?????? How many times is this woman going to be allowed to not have to be held accountable for her actions???? How many dismissals is she entitled to before something even more tragic happens? I am guessing that the two got married to avoid testifying against each other. He ended up being the fall guy and she is off scott-free. She will probably now go on public assistance since he is in confinement, getting rewarded for unexcusable and irresponsible behavior by getting food stamps, medical and whatever else offered. Way to go ECPA by dismissing the case against her. Just one more loser back out on the street.

Real nice MH News with the articles on the women who's 5 year old shot another person and yet the Base convicted the Sgt that owned the gun, some real justice and the fact that the MH News left off the chance for the public to comment to either article is really nice, guess no public input wanted. And another thing is the Sgt the stepfarther or live in boy friend, hard to tell from the article, real good news reporting.

Guess us redneck Idaho people are going to keep carrying weapons

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20100628/us_n...

Old guy:

instead of calling city hall maybe you should call the parks and rec office and speak with stan franks to get your answer before running to the blog. Looked the number up for you to 587-2112

The WRECD a secret organization? Are you forgetting the formation of the CLDC? An independent, unbiased, red blooded fact finding committee? How secret can the WRECD agenda be when they have their liaison hand pick half the committee members and then constantly open her yap and take over the direction of any discussion with "facts" and "numbers" that even the Mayor saw as so ridiculous that he had to shut her up? The sad part is that the WECRD liaison to the CLDC is allowed to interject and spew her bubbleheadedness unchecked. Not even the YMCA or the CLDC co-chairs even try and keep a faint illusion that the CLDC is unbiased by asking her to.....I don't know.....shut up and be a liaison?

The CLDC is as tainted as the WECRD board. After all the data that shows that a pool shouldn't be in the first phase........lo and behold the sub committee that is working on what the facility should have........has a pool option. This option would cost over 7 million dollars to build and the WRECD has 2 million right now. So to raise another 5 million to build the Taj at the current rate of saving 2 million every ten years we can build the pool option in another 25 years or so. Or the brain trust that is the WRECD board can raise taxes and build it in maybe half that. But hey, they have a dream.

Well, judging from the website of the junior high, the hiring of a "2nd" vice principal at the high school is probably to replace Longhurst. The junior high website shows Longhurst as principal now. I would guess that he will be/has stepping/ed down as VP at the high school so there will not be two VPs.

OM! Oh My! Some folks were worried there for a while, we thought the cat got your tongue. Which means their must be some really big cats out there.

It's Wonder Woman! She's a Recreation Supervisor. She's a Director of Personnel. She's a Tax Assessor (needs work on record keeping) She's a Financial Planner, Business Adviser, Genius, and Guru. She's a School Superintendent, Board Member, Athletic Director, and School Principal, all rolled into one Big Ball of.....Big Ball of......well, Big Ball of Something.

The school hired a new "VP"? Really? Got a name? Date of hire and salary while you're at it? Were other positions shifted? Do you even know what you are talking about?

One more quick test for the financial genius- what assessed value is required to generate the $11,000.00 more tax you "heard"? Come on, even you should be able to figure that one out, what with your "degree" in filling out forms, typing and filing, faxing and folding. Have a great day; don't forget to turn off the coffee pot when you leave the office.

Read all the comments on the new Rec Site and you will see why that outfit may as well be called a secret outfiit taking your tax dollars as they wish and spending as they wish, just look at what the Y got, over 7 thousand for their time. I guess this area hasn't woke up yet to just what is going on with people like the WECRD, School District, State and anyone else you would like to put on the list. All the people in favor of the WECRD you pay for it and leave my money to my bank account for me to spend not you.

I guess some people just don't understand what it takes to keep our edge for FREEDOM . Guess those people forgot when Gowen Field had the F-4's and they sure were not quiet like the A-10 they have got use to.

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2010/06/10...

@ Paul Revere. I agree with the others. Your grammar could use some work. In your reply to MHgirl about her becoming a volunteer tutor you wrote YOUR instead of YOU'RE and THEIR instead of THEY'RE. Your comments would have more credibility if you corrected those discrepancies.

On another note: I do not live in Mountain Home but I lived there when I was a kid. My folks were stationed at MHAFB. I lived in MH when Paul's grocery store was called THE MERC and when there was a RED STEER!

I miss Mountain Home sometimes. I am glad to be able to have this forum to state my views. Have a nice day everyone, and remember those APOSTROPHIES Mr. Revere.

Major Winds, rain and a spotted funnel cloud just passed through downtown Boise. TAKE COVER..... this storm cell heading towards Mountain Home is wicked.

I believe MHgirl is an adult, Paul Revere.

And as a side note, proper grammar strengthens points.

@ MHGirl,

your not moving forward with education,

the levy is keeping the infrastructure afloat. Status quo

Thanks for the English lesson, maybe you could get a job at MH schools....ops, I don't think their hiring. Maybe you could VOLUNTEER to be a tutor ? Good for you !

Mr. Mayor, City Council Members, and Department Heads,

Please do not be like many of the other government agencies and come down the line asking to raise our taxes. I will vote NO NO and NO. Today I had to run out to take care of some errands. What do I see but sprinklers going in Carl Miller Park despite the days of rain and it currently raining. These sprinklers are not the automatic type but the kind that a worker has to place and turn on. Talk about fiscal irresponsibility!!! I do not know how you manage things but when it rains, we turn off the sprinklers at our house and try to save costs. In addition, if I remember correctly did not you, City leadership asks us, the taxpayers to make every attempt to conserve water? I would have called City Hall but past calls have resulted in little to no action. Way to lead by example !!!!!

This is the March of Dimes jail and bail deal. I'd appreciate any help. Thanks.

http://jailandbail.marchofdimes.com/Vall...

@ Revere:

Your grammar could use a lot of work.

I recommend night school, or perhaps some home-study.

Now the country won't view us as a bunch of uneducated, red-neck Idahoans...but a small town that believes in the importance of education and higher learning. @ "freedom"...Very "PROGRESSIVE" indeed! ;)

Nope....your still trashy....by the way, the Progressive's are in Boise

So after the schools have collected the 2.8 million for this year and whatever the amount for next yr, will property taxes be returned to pre-levy rate?---HA! Id' be a fool to think so!

The levy needs a simple majority to pass.

Five of six precincts reporting

Yes: 2,122 (74 percent)

No: 736 (26 percent)

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2010/05/27...

"So, on this day I will hope that most vote with common sense and think beyond today."

-- Posted by OpinionMissy on Thu, May 27, 2010, at 6:57 AM

So,,,, those who don't vote the same as you have no common sense?

Why is it that you continually assault not only the intelligence, but also the conscience of anyone who reads comments on this site? Do you really believe that your intellect is above all others? Time and again, you stand on your tree stump and project yourself as having the only viable solution or answer to anything happening. Believe it or not, every person in this town owns a stake in the consideration of events that are happening. And I, for one, am sick and tired of your assumption that you speak the only truth that is out there. If you want to be a collective consciousness, please do so in your own world that you live in, and don't make any assumptions as to whether or not someone who disagrees with you has common sense or not.

Regardless of how anyone voted, they did so of their own accord. And regardless of the outcome from the vote, a decision will have been made, without YOUR approval/disapproval.

CuriousParents> your not the only one in the minority, oops guess I better take back that I wouldn't say no more until the ballots where counted. Later tonight will tell the story. All I know right now is where I voted seem to be alot of people voting of all ages, I didn't talk to anyone about it so I don't know what their feelings are or how they may vote.

Tiger you need someone to copy and paste info to you seems like you can't read and understand. Go back and read some minutes of the school board when they talked aboout it and it was the Suuper that decided you needed 2.8 million and that is more than what you needed by your own talk.

Yeah, I went and voted too. I know I am in the minority here and I am fairly confident this levy will pass. Regardless of which way it goes, it will be as it was meant to be, and we will all have to live with it. I gotta say though, the Mountain Home News website is rockin with the traffic today!

Tiger87:

Here is what the MHSD web page says. PROPOSED!! Guess THEIR info could be wrong. Shocking? No. Not really.

Proposed Budget cuts FY 2011

Scenario A currents cuts freezes and levy passes

Scenario B Current cuts freezes and levy fails

Scenario C Current cuts freezes and additional 5% hold back

Costs are estimates - combined may be less than each considered separately

Some estimates based on outside experience quoted by SDE or other districts

Salary estimates are subject to impact of minimum wage or SDE minimums

Cuts made in anticipation of levy passing

Impact of the actions already considered Salary Benefits Total

Freeze Steps and lanes 7 1,746 1 2,943 8 4,689

Furlough Days (4% or 6.5%) 5 16,028 9 3,091 6 09,119

Maintenance supplies & prof services 1 40,000

Admin Prof Dev 1 0,000

Referee stipends 9 ,500

Insurance deductible increase

Eliminated contracted biller 5 ,000

Liability insurance 5 ,000

Sub-total actions already considered 8 63,308

Pending FY 2011 actions

Activities reduced (athletics and academic competition) 4 0,000

Assist Director Maintenance 4 1,000 1 1,480 5 2,480

bus safety route - West 1 0,000

recertification 1 5,000

Substitutes pay (11%) 4 5,000

Natural Helpers stipend 3 ,600

extended contract days (4%) 3 ,640

Sub-total Pending 1 69,720

Total Scenario A 1,033,028

Hope everyone has a peaceful & safe weekend. Memorial Day is a good time to reflect on the sacrifices & services of the U.S. military men and women. The words 'United We Stand' and 'God Bless America' still hold the power to stir our hearts on this special day. Let the feelings of true patriotism and love for all those who have risked their lives for America shine through

See my latest blog for while I voted yes.

I am a property owner.

I do not have any children enrolled in the MHS system.

I voted with common sense and I thought beyond today.

I voted Yes to the levy as many times as they let me.

Pay it forward and Save Our Schools.

VOTE

YES

YES

YES

YES

Sending positive thoughts to the Mountain Home School District today. I wish I were there to vote.

Thanks for bumping that info mule. That's pretty much my point on the sports, very small in the larger scheme of things. The bigger issue is how to keep the teachers employed and the students engaged. Student enrollment has been dropping over the past five years; the economy has been getting worse for some time as well. Anyone surprised by the cuts from the federal and state government sources has had their head in a composting manure pile for quite a while. The inability of an organization with fiscal responsibilities to their stakeholders to forecast and deal with these type of events falls squarely on the shoulders of its leadership. I agree changes have to be made.

Vic...I posted this over a week ago (here and in the blog) with no responses

The district only saves something close to $300,000 (coaches, busses, atheletic director, etc.) if it cuts athletics and academic competitions.

Most of the levy goes to maintaining salaries AFTER the 4% for teachers and 6.5% for administration.

If the levy fails the district will cut 2.7 million from the budget to balance the books. A little over half comes from salary reduction (teachers and admins., not counting layoffs)...$1,435,000 million--2% salary reduction for four day week ($430,000 saved) and a further 8.5% salary reduction ($1,050,000 saved). All of this info. was obtained through the district website.

So, while most of the bickering is about the costs of sports and academic competition, much of the levy is to supplement salaries. Just throwing it out there after reading all of these comments and blogs. Not looking for a fight.

I'm sorry, but it goes way beyond all of what you stated.

Vote YES on the Levy today...I did!

This goes beyond "sports and extra-curricular activities" or keeping kids out of trouble (their parents should be doing THAT!).

This is about doing what is right for your community, because the government has failed. Our disctict should be getting MILLIONS for the all military living here, but has only just gotten the 2007 funds this year, in 2010! WTH!! It is NOT for lack of effort on our part...the schools are trying to get those funds, but the door is slamming in their face!

So, now, we are paying out of our own pockets to keep our schools operating...

If that is what must be done, then DO IT! Support your community!

In the meantime, start focusing on the Federal government (NOT the Military personell) and breathe down their necks about getting those $$$ to our school district!!

Pissed off about having to pay more taxes? Write letters to your congress and get our school district those federal greenbacks owed for each and every military dependant/student supported in our school district!!

So, my parting thoughts to all patrons of the MHSD and greater MH who will vote today.

The MHSD/Board states "they will not ask for more money than what is needed." Who determines "need?"

You (the MHSD/Board) have asked for 2.8 million dollars for two (2) years. In the blue box of the sheet "Proposed Budget cuts FY 2011" your total for "Scenario A" is $1,033,028. So...you pretty much feel you have this levy in the bag at this point---are you now already asking for more than you "need" based on these figures? What is the MHSD/Board going to do with the "surplus" funds of over 1.7 million (2,800,000.00-1,033,028=1,766,972.00 (surplus)? You state you will not ask for more than is needed---so, what is this?

I notice the MHSD Board mouth piece is silent now and no responses are being provided by Mr. Murray. Jim alexander will just say that blogs are not the best place to spend time/spread information. Funny, is Facebook not the same type of forum just more controlled?

You (the MHSD/Board) feel you have this in the bag. So, few answers will be provided now of any substance. 12-15 months from now, we will be in the same sinking life raft but you will be asking (or should I say extorting) for even more money. I can only hope this does not pass and that the taxpayers hold all of you accountable. However, you have done a very good job at spreading your "nuclear option" around town (even if it is less than factual).

So, on this day I will hope that most vote with common sense and think beyond today. Tougher times are ahead. Other taxes will also go up. At some point the MHSD/Board will have to bring expenses more in line with funding. The money tree is rather bare at this point not that the MHSD/Board really cares. Maybe we could have saved on the cost of a special election and just held a town coin toss.

voteyes - Is the levy about sports or is it about maintaining services required to educate the students in a safe environment? I'm not advocating eliminating all sports. Sure, I played sports - both school and city leagues. I also never broke into a car because I was bored either. I did my school work, my work around the house, and worked to make money. If you look at where the money is going, a very small portion of it is for sports. So please let's not continue beat that dead horse. The teacher's salaries are more important than sports at this point.

I think the levy will pass. It won't fix anything, and the people who think it will, still won't understand that flushing money down a toilet won't fix broken plumbing. Enrollment has been going down, which means two things: less federal funding and fewer resources required because of the dwindling number of students. There are about 400 employees for 3000 students, people in non-teaching positions making more than teachers, too many non-teaching positions in general -- check www.ouridaho.com if you don't believe me. And we still have back-to-back half days which wastes money. There are too many things to recount.

Any organization faced with cutbacks like the school district is faced with has to make serious decisions on staffing and effective, efficient use of their resources, not pimping kids to play on the sympathies of the community. I work for a company that just did a major restructuring because of the current economy. The fat at the top was the first thing to go. Duties were delegated across the remaining directors and upper managers, high paid "support staff" positions were eliminated. The school district I came out of easily had 10 times the number of students, and did a much better job of managing the district with a total of 7 administrators/directors. What do we have 5 (http://www.mtnhomesd.org/education/components/scrapbook/default.php?sectiondetailid=824&) ? The way they did it was to delegate authority to selected trustees Principals in the district. The Assistant Principal basically ran the school.

Probably the best thing that can happen is that the levy passes, and while we have a stopgap in place, the people who think the best thing for the community is to have secretaries that make more than teachers and a fat staff get replaced with forward thinking, innovative people who can make a difference.

Vote "Yes", let us be part of the solution.

i cant belive you pepole who want to vote no you all had your chance in school to play sports.and now you want to take dreams away from some of our youth shame on no wounder we have so much crime in this town if it wasnt for these activitys we would not have the nfl mlb even the nhl so vote no if you want but dont cry when your house or car gets broke into because there is nothing for our youth to do

Cool Runnings,

Unarguably, the best comment ever regarding this proposed levy!

Yes Mr. Murray, let us compare apples to apples, contrary to your most recent post.

Here are some facts on Meridian compared to Mountain Home:

Cite: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meridian,_I...

Meridian is the second-largest city in Ada County, Idaho, USA, and the third-largest in the state. As of July 2007, the population estimate of Meridian was 64,642.[1]

Having recently surpassed the eastern Idaho cities of Pocatello and Idaho Falls, the 2007 estimates placed Meridian as the third-largest city in Idaho behind Boise and Nampa, all in the Treasure Valley. Meridian is the state's fastest-growing city, with a 81.5 percent increase in population since 2000.[2]

The Meridian School District is the largest in the state. Meridian is part of the Boise metropolitan area.

The median income for a household in the city was $53,276, and the median income for a family was $57,077. Males had a median income of $40,360 versus $27,174 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,150. About 4.6% of families and 5.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.0% of those under age 18 and 7.6% of those age 65 or over.

Now...Mountain Home---same source:

Cite: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_Ho...

Mountain Home is the largest city and county seat of Elmore County, Idaho.[1] The population was 11,143 at the 2000 census (2007 estimate.

The median income for a household in the city was $37,307, and the median income for a family was $41,485. Males had a median income of $28,724 versus $21,905 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,029. About 8.6% of families and 10.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.9% of those under age 18 and 11.8% of those age 65 or over.

Does the Meridian School District have the reputation of the MHSD? No. Does Meridian have more resources, people/population and industry to support a levy? Yes.

So, if you are going to compare levy information at least compare apples to apples and keep things on level ground and factual.

And before the MHSD cheer squad gets started with forget the past...it is hard to "forget the past" when it is still, for the most part, the same people in charge but now we have a different tune.

All we asked for was honesty and accountability. Someone (not singular) got us to where we are. This did not happen in 24 hours time. What is the LONG TERM plan here? How do you plan to balance the budget i.e. only spend what you have and not tax more? Where and when does this levy to bridge the gap end (and please do not tell me in 2 years and 5.6 million dollars later). Throwing more money into the fire is not the answer. You folks need to worry more about the "just" $300,000 that is out there. Those monies add up fast. TAXING MORE IS NOT THE FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE ANSWER/SOLUTION. A new MHSD Board would be very nice.

So the Meridian SD wants to "extend" the levy... wow thats the big worry for us here, once the SD gets their hand in the pot, how hard will it be to get it out. See, heres my issue, if I am hurting financially, I am expected to make due and make adjustments to my income and lifestyle until things get better. But, if any government agency gets into the same situation, from thinking the rainbow will always have a pot of gold, it expects the tax payer to save it. Instead of making adjustments, tighening the belt and weather the storm. Yes, we all go through this at some point, but in the end we come out better and learn how to make due. Like I have said before, if I have to pay into this, I would prefer it be for one year only, and then have a new vote again next year. But, my ultimate wish would be for the SD to make due and show they can do as the rest of us and survive on what is given.

Sorry if I confused anyone about where to vote; my husband and I used absentee ballots as I had to be out of the house that day anyway and we didn't know how either of us would feel today.

Today vote wherever you usually vote: churches, senior center, etc., in the primary election.

Tomorrow, vote on the levy issue at any school building.

Also, the fact of life is that families already pay for students to be in extra-curricular activities -- their uniforms, etc. And it seems all employees are taking a cut in pay.

The current problem is that the financial crisis and the state legislature harmed all school districts.

Curious Parents,

Let's compare apples to apples, not an apple to a bag of apples

Here is a link to an article about the Meridian School District Levy that passed in 2009

http://www.kboi2.com/news/40328702.html

I was not able to find an article stating the levy did pass, but according to the Meridian School District Office the levy did pass

So currently Meridian School District has a 2 year Supplemental Levy for $10,000,000 helping fund their budget along with a Plant facility levy that will fund their district another $9,000,000 this year alone. Both of these levies are being paid by the property owners in the Meridian School District.

According to KBOI when they ran the supplemental levy last year, it would cost a property owner $342 per year for every $100,000 which would be $744 for a $200,000 home per year. $744 a year breaks down to $37.20 per month. Our levy is for $20 a month for a $200,000 home.

We currently do not have a supplemental levy and out total Plant facility levy is for a total of $5,055,000. The $5,055,000 is spread out over for 5 years not $5,055,000 for this year.

Prior to this year School Districts would not have been able to move the funds from the Plant Facility Levy. The last State Legislative session passed a resolution allowing School Districts to ask the voters if was ok to move funds from a Plant Facility Levy to the general funds.

Meridian has already told their teachers they are going to take a pay cut and now it's up to the voters to decide how much.

With regards to the "pay to play" the Meridian School District has proposed in article you linked. It was stated the High School students will be required to pay $100 if the voters decide not to allow the funds to transfer from the Plant Facility Levy. The $100 per student that will be required to be paid will not cover the entire extracurricular activities budget it will only help supplement it. That was also stated by their Meridian School District office this morning.

According to the article you posted it was written, if the voters do decide to move the money, their teachers are still taking a pay cut and their students will not be required to pay for extracurricular activities. They will take the money normally spent on the upkeep their facilities and use it pay for their extracurricular activities. How is that,

"Teachers should be the primary concern"

If you feel the way you do, I would highly recommend you go to the School Board meetings and voice your concerns. There has not been any parents that have came to a School Board meeting and stated, they would be willing to pay or how much they would be willing to pay for their students to participate in extracurricular activities. As someone who represents 20% of the people of MHSD, it would be a lot easier to compromise with a group of people prior to a decision being made, then after the decision has already been made.

I personally would love to start hearing from people prior to seeing it one the blogs. Hearing from people will carry a lot more weight when making a decision then reading about it on a blog

William Murray

wtmurray_1998@yahoo.com

I agree, and the words "voting with emotion" is really what this levy has been about. The students have been scared with the threat of no curricular activities next year. The schools never said, "We may have to ask students to pay for their activities" or any other compromise. It was just a fist-on-the-table action saying, "No levy, no sports!". Well, of course the kids got scared and ran home and scared their parents. I have heard it stated many times that we, the community, should not punish the kids by voting no on this levy. I see it differently. I see the school district using the kids as bait to get what they want, and it they don't get their way, then they have the taxpayers to blame. They refuse to offer any other way to save the sports or any other activities unless this levy passes. That is what they are banking on for getting this levy passed.

They shouldn't. The taxes should pay for the teachers salaries. We, the parents, should pay for our own students extra-curricular activities.

Teachers should be the primary concern in this matter. I don't understand why the Mountain Home School District is never willing to compromise. It is either all or nothing with them. I would be happy to agree to a levy to help keep the teacher's salaries from dropping further. I would also be happy to pay for my student's extra-curricular activities in a pay-for-play situation. Other districts in the Boise area are doing this exact thing, so why can't we? Why must the district say that all activities are on the chopping block unless this levy passes? Why have there not been any other possible solutions to keeping these activities other than this levy? I never considered this levy to be a threat or scare tactic, but I do now.

Meridian school district considering pay to play for all extra curricular activities.

http://www.ktvb.com/news/Meridian-voters...

Vic, thanks for the link, but it looks like the same old story on that site too. I find it sad the SD has used the kids to get this going for them. To use scare tactics on them and then have them go home and express it, is just sad. If there was nothing wrong with this levy, then why would you have the kids coming home and expressing fear if the levy didnt pass. And as for extracurricular activities, well I did not take part in any of them, and I turned out fine and did not destroy the town since "I had nothing to do". I have no criminal record, outside a few minor traffic infractions, and have a great job. I for one do not wish it to pass, the SD needs to find a way to do its job with what it has and stop looking for handouts at every turn. If it does pass so be it, I will write the check monthly and hope it goes to what its suppose to, the children.

We went to the Jackson St. Sweets and and had a very nice time in the candy story. The kids thought it was a great treat. The people are really friendly and the store atmosphere is wonderful. It is a store in Mtn.Home that is worth trying. Thanks for the great service.

The Mtn Home Lady Tigers are once again the Idaho State 4-A softball champions. The final score was 9-8 over long-time rivals the Kuna Lady Kavemen.

Congratulations to a wonderful group of valiant, talented young women!

Rain rain go away... I want to go the carnival tonight... I need a funnel cake badly.... mmmmmm powdered sugar.... gggguullllll (drool)

lilmiss, I dont know if you have ever entered into a contractial agreement for a vehicle or house or something of large value, but the wording is black and white. The levy IS for two years;

(excerpt from the ballot) $2.8 million dollars each year for two (2) years for the purpose of paying all lawful expenses of maintaining and operating the schools of the District for the fiscal years beginning July 1, 2010, and ending June 30, 2010. (these dates are confusing and they are on the sample ballot)

It clearly states two years, I know you want to be involed in this and feel empowered and I am in awe from the youth response to this, my awe is in full respect and gradtitude of the youth, but the facts are there they want 2.8 million EACH year, for two years. And knowing government like I do, when they get their hands on a pot of money, its so very hard to get their hands back out.

I worked in the yard all day today and what do ya know - ran out of gas in the lawnmower. Ran to the local superstore to get gas and while there, decided to run in for a few things. While I was there, I decided to buy a "Hungry Man" frozen dinner for lunch. Just to save time, you understand. Got home, threw it into the microwave for the recommended time and went back out to fuel up.

Now mind you, I haven't bought a frozen dinner in years, so I had fond memories of this fabulous salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, gravy and corn dinner from yesteryear.

I am five foot three, 120 pounds and am very hungry at this point. I ripped off the plastic cover and stared at the black plate.

It actually became funny and grass cutting I forgot about. I grabbed another plate and although I do NOT have OCD, I took the green beans and put them together, end to end, on a clean plate. I got exactly four whole beans. Having some fun now, I got my measuring spoons and scooped up what appeared to be mashed potatoes. I am not lying when I tell you that there were EXACTLY 4 tablespoons full. I mounded those four tablespoons of white, sticky glue next to the four green beans. And put 4 tablespoons of butter on them.

Enter - The Meat. 2 perfectly formed ovals of smeat that measured exactly 3x2, swimming in what I think may have been gravy. I have my doubts on that. But, as I didn't have a scale, I am thinking that those two perfectly formed rounds may have weighed in at a whopping 6 ounces.

The brownie - well, lets just say that it would be best not to even bother eating it. Biting into beef jerky would have been easier.

So, in conclusion, here are my findings with this product.

1)The term "Hungry Man" is sexist and biased. What man would actually eat this crap! And why isn't there a "Hungry Woman" frozen dinner????? Hmmmm????

2)The package claims to be 16 ounces. Minus the packaging and the rock hard chocolate lump called a brownie, you may have 10 ounces of food.

3)The potatoes can be used for super-glue if kept in an air-tight container.

4) Am not so keen on eating food where the list of ingredients are actually longer than the smeat itself.

5)The package PLAINLY showed mushrooms on the smeat. I didn't get any. AND, my green beans weren't all glossy and pretty like the picture.

In conclusion, the only part of truth in advertising with this product is the word "HUNGRY". In part, they really mean "STARVING MAN" and because it is gender-biased, I can't even b--ch!

So, I am headed out to my mom's where she made a huge roast beef with all the stuff. Next time, I will let the hubby cut the grass, get the gas and I will NEVER buy another "It's good to be full" - HUNGRY-MAN frozen dinner again.

BTW, I voted and I truly hope that this community will see where the sacrifices have to be made and give a little, in one way or another.

Proudmom3,

There is a listing of alumni educators on the MHSD website... They are listed by the year they graduated from Mountain Home High School on the left hand side of the page.

http://www.mtnhomesd.org/education/dept/...

Those of us with questions are talking about the present, and all Ive seen from those who are for the levy are rants about the "what ifs", such as, if we cut sports and band, the comments are the kids will have nothing to do and will become problems. We just want clarification from a SB who has a record of not disclosing everything. I would like to see the levy set for one year, not two, and if needed reviewed next year for a vote again. I dont think this should be a two year thing and then we get the "we will give the rest back if we dont need it" routine, b/c we all know it wont come back. I dont think it takes a village to raise a child, it takes responsible parents willing to put their lives on hold, which is the problem, to raise their children right. Im sure this levy will pass, just by the blind gleefullness of it being "for the children" and not the bigger picture of "for the community", meaning we could be digging a hole deeper, for a small glint of sunshine.

Proud Mom, I understand your thoughts and theories on this tax issue. I to will probably vote yes but I do have concerns. The problem most people have with this new tax is that they feel their concerns are not being taken seriously by the school board and the condescending manner it is being pushed if you questions the tax.

1. Only homeowners will pay but everyone can vote, and the argument that renters will pay is a myth as it all goes through the homeowner and they can charge whatever they want for rent. It doesn't mean you have to rent there. What about the base population? They won't pay more rent and if you go to the SB meetings the federal help is slow and inconsistent.

2. With the past history or at least the appearance of past financial problems the school board has had. What assurances they are meeting us half way with this. Reference the school boards owns website and meeting minutes that they claim was a typo when the land issue was addressed at the following meeting. NOT FILLING ME WITH CONFIDENCE THAT THEY ARE ON THE UP AND UP.

3. Personal responsibility, I don't believe in the "it takes a village" crap. I do believe it is the parents responsibility to make sure their child gets educated and isn't in trouble. If children were not given everything on a silver platter and learned that there is no free ride in life they might turn out better and with more respect for their elders. For me as a child it was "Yes Sir and Yes Ma'am" and I never called an adult by their first name. So the argument that if the tax fails kids will join gangs and get into trouble, where are the parents?

4. My biggest concern is in two years. Will the sky keep falling? My bet is yes, with all the new taxes and entitlements the Federal and State governments are giving to people that have no personal responsibility it is killing the working class.

5. I understand the concern over the teachers pay and the fact they might loose their homes but what about the other tax payers. My contract at the base was not renewed and my wife was let go from her job last year due to budget cuts. I found another job in Boise but for about 23% less than I was making. So I took a 23% pay cut and my wife took a 100% pay cut. Some people are really trying to make ends meet that are not teachers and this new tax might be the difference between them being homeowners or being homeless. Where is the empathy now?

6. I have two jobs trying to make ends meet but see welfare recipients at Albertsons with food stamps and rolls of cash (for buying beer). Then they get into a new car or truck (nicer than what I got) and questions why don't they cut off welfare and give the money to the schools.

These are a few of the questions and concerns that I personally feel the SB and those that think they are morally superior disregard and dismiss. So bash away at me and tell me your better than me because I have questions and concerns about another TAX for the working class. Your fooling yourself if you think this is the end of your tax increases and that it is only for two years.

I miss lawn darts..... that is all.

"and do you remember when life was simple and our parents had to worry about taxes. Those were the days."

It does sound like you do have some fond memories, and your passion about this is understandable. But, if you recall your parents worrying about taxes, then perhaps you can understand some of the concerns facing the taxpayers today?

The district only saves something close to $300,000 (coaches, busses, atheletic director, etc.) if it cuts athletics and academic competitions.

Most of the levy goes to maintaining salaries AFTER the 4% for teachers and 6.5% for administration.

If the levy fails the district will cut 2.7 million from the budget to balance the books. A little over half comes from salary reduction...$1,435,000 million--2% salary reduction for four day week ($430,000 saved) and a further 8.5% salary reduction ($1,050,000 saved). All of this info. was obtained through the district website.

So, while most of the bickering is about the costs of sports and academic competition, much of the levy is to supplement salaries. Just throwing it out there after reading all of these comments and blogs. Not looking for a fight.

I do have some fond memories of basketball, band and literary competitions. I also remember working with fundraisers as well as after school jobs to help fund these activities. The school did not pay for these activities and we were expected to pay our way. But, if we wanted to do these activities bad enough, the hard work was gladly done.

If there is anyone In MH, That has or knows anyone one with a Anxieity/Panic disorder with agoraphobia...plz contact me at danecoat@msn.com. I want to start a support group

Shine on Proud Mom! I agree with you 100%...keep on shining!

I remember those sticks. I could pretend I was a grown up. I can also remember seeing kids pretend smoking by sticking a licorice stick or just a stick in their mouth. My husband and I were smokers, and my boys were used to us smoking. Funny thing is out of the 4 boys none of them turned it into a habit. One tried it for awhile after he left home and was in college but he soon gave it up. My boys are now in their forties :) and still don't smoke.

With the cost of cigarettes these days I seriously think there will be not to many that want to take on this expensive habit because they enjoyed candy cigarettes. Hey and if those that want to quit this habit might be a good thing to suck on the candy ones

daniel.alderman,

Web site link JUST FOR YOU... LOL

http://www.darwinawards.com/

""In honor of Charles Darwin, the Darwin Awards commemorate those who improve our gene pool...by accidentally removing themselves from it. By necessity, the award is generally bestowed posthumously."

Sometimes people that create their own future need to be allowed to HAVE that future.

proudmom3,

I second Vic's thoughts. There is no life lesson greater than the example set by a parent. A box of candy, bottle of soda, or toy gun is not going to set the destiny of our children. Keep doing what you do and your children will become productive members of society.

Actually the box doesn't even say cigarettes it says CANDY STICKS and I am a mother and a mother who has never even tried a cigarette or drank a beer so I will lead my children through my example and not through a box of candy that they see at a candy store. Also, on New Years or on holidays as an adult I indulge in the "Sparkling Cider" that resembles wine to celebrate with my children. Is that wrong? I also drink root beer out of a bottle that resembles beer is that wrong? Did I mention I don't drink or smoke so I lead by example. So, yes I do have MOM in my name and I also have PROUD because I am proud to be a MOM of 3 wonderful children and I take responsibility for teaching my children the rights of life and I don't blame the wrongs in life on things they see on a shelf or see others do. Oh, and by the way they also have sold candy that looks like Crayons and I have also taught my children not to eat real crayons either . Wow.

Im no young pup and I do remember them and never understood why you would want something like that. You make no sense in saying its ok for children to "play" smoke cigarettes or "fake" drink alcohol. What benefit do they gain from it, other than thinking its cool to do those things. I have no problem with the candy store in general, I for one think its one of the best ideas to come to MH. It filled a niche here that was much needed. And if that was your idea of a little fun then your ignorance is very blissful, enjoy it gleefully.

Scoutin, you must really be a young pup. Candy cigarettes ... oh what memories that brings back, we would wear our straight leg blue jeans with the leg cuffs rolled up, black con's and a white short sleeve t-shirt with a "pack" rolled up in the sleeve and one in my ear, just like they did on AMERICAN GRAFFITI!! I "smoked" a lot of candy cigaretts but was smart enough to know the REAL ones were bad for you. We even drank Saspirilla and pretended it was real beer.I guess some of the things my parents taught me did sink in. Want to "feel like a kid in a candy store" ? go visit Jackson St. Sweets. While you are there thank them for opening such a great business in Mtn. Home!!! Oh the memories that place brings back.

Bay River...I'm sure you understand that every working person in Mountain Home, Idaho and the USA invests in you and your future every day via taxes. And why is it that education funding is drying up? Because less people are working, meaning there is less money to invest in you. In short money is tight everywhere. And now you urge the tax payer to give more money so programs such as Tennis, Drama, Dance, Golf, Football, Debate, Softball, Baseball, Volleyball, Basketball, BPA, and Cheerleading will continue?

My question to you is: What is the cost for/to each student to participate in these these special educational activities? Is there any way these students and/or parents can invest more of their own money before coming to tax payers?

Sometimes investing in yourself is a valuable life lesson. Just in case it matters, I grudgingly support the school levy but it certainly has nothing to do with helping students or their parents fund the above activities.

Apparently Cornerstone Dental closed up shop while I was deployed the last 3 1/2 months. Does anybody know what they did with the patient's dental records. Would be nice to get my wife's and daughter's back.

Airman recovering from 330ft fall:

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2010/05/05...

Current economic stress index:

http://hosted.ap.org/specials/interactiv...

Elmore County isn't doing as bad as some counties. 9.4% unemployment, .75% foreclosure, .8% foreclosure. Valley's almost 9,000 people are getting hammered with rates double ours in Elmore.

Maybe it's the fact that the wind was not too bad and the sun was wonderfully warming against everyone's skin today, but I noticed a huge change on the MHN website this evening.

Even though this levy issue has brought some intense, heated debate that sometimes crossed lines on both sides, I think this has brought out some wonderful changes.

Nearly every high school senior of voting age plans on registering and voting for the levy. It is my hope to see those students become informed, active voters in the 2012 election, as they've become so passionate and ready to vote on this levy.

HS student participation has risen a lot on this site. I knew students who, prior to this week a lot of my classmates had no idea there was a website for the newspaper. Now they are discussing the blogs.

With all the positivity this evening, it is my hope that we can all iron out the issues, maybe get some compromising done, and get more people on board with this levy or come to a less drastic solution.

Have a wonderful night everyone!

Thank you, LilMiss. It is nice to see students willing to do their share. I have seen many posts by families on the base who are asking how they can help to get this levy passed, or prior students who are now in college. They are all wanting to help raise the awareness and wanting to take a part in the voting. Will all of those people do their share to truly make this a community effort? Will the people who have this choice to make, those who will not be paying the tax to pay for this levy, pledge $15-20 per month to match the property owner's taxes? Or will they rally for the cause but not help foot the bill?

HAHAHA Not at all my friend. it is not the bully on campus. I am willing to show my face and discuss the issue. I dont feel the need to hide behind a monitor. Bully /Bul-ly/ Somebody who intimidates. If Logic feels intimidated then Logic should ignore. Threat: /thret/ declaration of an intent to cause harm. Neither one of them has happened. Stating facts. Not a jock, I support, all sporting events, debate, dance, cheerleading, gymnastics, tumbling, all activities that a student can participate in. All that a student can get a scholarship in. Without any of them, not immposible but difficult to accomplish. With extra activities the chance is greater.

Never did say we would be happy to confront. I did say cant wait to see you in public to put you in your place. I did state "I". No acts of violence. Why? Violence hurts, cost money, and humiliates. It is all information to share. We are adults, if we cant have a debate in person, then why would it happen behind a computer screen. I am not ashamed. I will stand up for what I beleive in no matter what the topic. I feel everyone should do the same. I did not throw any stones, call names, bully as defined or threat that has been defined. If you feel I have, my apology.

I am all for the kids. 20.00 or 500.00 if it is going to help a kid to stay off drugs and or alcohol and or stay off the streets. I am all for it. Lets take Chicago for example. Coaches see talent in troubled kids. Kids that have lived the streets, kids in trouble. They try to get the kid involved in programs that might help them from where they are headed to. Point out programs. If a kid can feel appreciated, acknowledged, and feel good about themselves without getting into trouble and not have to look over the shoulder then there is a accomplishment. It is not just the big cities. It is all over the US. Unfortunatly there is a price and the price is tax dollars. Or federal grants from the goverment.

For example. If they do cut out any of the programs. You had a son or a daughter in any program. You was told that you would have to pay 350.00 for the student to participate and your child was all about the program. How would you feel? WHat would you do? Would you pull out the cash for them? How about your childs friend that feels the same way, however they can't afford the 350.00 all at one time. We can prepare for the tax dollar that we expect to pay. And they are left out and can not participate. In all honesty how would you feel about that when you see your child excited but then dissappointed that the friend could not be involved because we as tax payers refuse to pay any additional taxs because we feel we are taxed enough. It is our future that is coming through the ranks right now. Lets support them. Lets help a kids dream come true.

rock,

I don't have a problem with paying my taxes. I have a problem with stalkers like you that threaten to get in my face and boot me out of town with your gang of 7 so that my opinion isn't heard. By the way still haven't seen you today. Whats up with that? I thought you were going to be the tough guy and come confront me? With your friends of course. Lose your will? I'm still waiting stud. You are the best example of the values that sports teaches a person. Cheating and threats.

Are you calling names now with the "Miss" or are you just being respectful?

Logic, the governor cut $100 mil from the entire state. That put our district roughly 2.8 million short of the funding we need, and it is for two years because the problem is not likely to be fixed next year. The district has said that if the second year is not needed (funding is restored, we get some kind of huge donation, etc) then the second year's 2.8 will be unnecessary and the city can calm down.

curious, I cannot speak for others on their willingness, but I will gladly donate my time and money as well. I am positive there are many others willing to do the same.

Rock,

If it passes it still doesn't make it right. It just means that the SD can continue to waste money the way they have in the past. Why 2.8 million each year for two years? That is over the budget short fall by quite a bit. Are they going for the some of the school bond money in the school levy? Are the children going to get their second story running track? This socialist mentality of tax whenever you need more money has got to stop.

You open minded people really crack me up. I say a couple of kids are twits and the whole internet comes unraveled. Rock threatens me with his gang of seven and making me turn tail and run and to boot me out of Mountain Home and you guys praise him. Stifle any opposing viewpoint by any means necessary I guess.

Rock you are such a child with your lawyer threats and your 7 people gang and your boot threats. You aren't going to shut me up. See people this is why some folks remain anonymous. Because if neanderthal jock boy really did know who I was he would bring his tough guys and they would TRY and boot the opposing view. The only way to have an open discourse is to have anonymity or restraint in a public forum. Otherwise you get the Nazi-like behavior like Rocks running around telling everyone what their opinion is. That's why freedom of speech is one of the basic tenets of our government. So you "right honorable gentleman" and "my good friend from" keep praising intimidating behavior. For my part I believe that any level of name calling and foulness is better than having a one sided debate.

The internet has been both a boon and a ruination of debate. It has allowed those who have something to say to express themselves in a public forum which is unequaled to anything that has come before. However, it is much more difficult to have a reasoned and respectful discussion or debate. It seems as though there are always people who, hidden behind a mask of anonymity, deem it necessary to needlessly sow anger using rudeness, name calling and personal attacks.

It's time to stand up for reasoned and respectful debate!

It's time to start calling people on their rudeness and name calling! If you see a post that is is unacceptably rude, simply respond saying:

"I will not respond to your post unless you can say what you have to say in a respectful manner."

If they refuse, then ignore the post. Responding to those who are abusive only sends the message that that kind of behavior is acceptable, and often leads others to mimic the behavior.

I hope that thoughtful and reasonable people will read this and join with me. I hope that we haven't become so jaded as a society that people look upon an attempt to bring back more civilized debate with ridicule.

I suppose we'll have to wait and see.

the reason the paper says debate will stay is because they won't cut the class.

They can't let us attend tournaments because that would send a message to other programs that the district is playing favoritism. We were told "if one program is axed, they all will be"

The money we have does not matter. But I continue to assure you, you have not paid for any of us.

Vote no on the school levy. No more taxes. No taxation for

Keep dreaming there Rock, this thing is going the way of the school bond. Government spending the taxpayers money and when that runs out trying to suck some more off the taxpayer is over. Thank God the little twits don't have a vote or we'd be looking at a second floor running track and a performance theater gilded with gold, but no books. I tell ya what, you go get rid of all the other taxes and then bring up this socialist garbage. Thanks for the waving offer but I'm going to stay. By the way, got them lawyers yet?

When the paper says that debate will stay but they wont have the money to send them to competitions they must be wrong then. Anyway it was just an example. Couldn't care less about which little rah rah function it is it needs to go. Just like the busing system for anyone within ten miles needs to go.

I actually hope that all you drama queens do pull your kids and take them to Boise. You won't, but it sure would ease the stress on the our schools. Threats. Threats that if the school bond doesn't pass that the roof wouldn't be put on the high school. Threats that if a heater breaks it won't get fixed if the school levy doesn't pass. Threats that if there's no sports that they'll take their marbles and go to Boise. Well boo hoo. The parents will deal with it in their own way because it's their kids. The school district should be ashamed, (and I don't mean a grown man crying in a SD meeting ashamed), of the way they have been behind at every step and how they try and intimidate rather than do their jobs. Even what was quoted in the paper can't be trusted because it's obviously an overreaction. They just don't want to make the tough decisions. They want to threaten us into passing the school levy. No way. No how.

Logic, you continue to miss a vital point. You seem very distressed about the debate team's finances.

Shall we get together and I can bring our account summary?

You have never paid for my, or any other debater's, trips.

We fundraise like crazy. We do many fundraisers and work to get donations and such to offset some of the out-of-pocket. And we still do have out-of-pocket expenses. Let me assure you your taxpayer dollars have never been used to send me on my way to become an informed and active member of society.

rock, thank you for your support.

I encourage anyone who would like to discuss this situation with me to do it in a civilized manner. We can share our opinions and views and compare research on the issue in this valuable public forum, but I will not succumb to name-calling and personal attacks. Please present your arguments in an informed, logical manner. My high school career has been centered on debate, and I assure you, you will not change how I feel, or how actively I advocate my causes simply by calling me a few names.

Rock,

Are you serious? You are gonna get other involved? Gimme a break. But thanks for the laugh.

It would be a horrible shame if these kids had to grow up to be responsible productive members of society if there were no sports. I mean the parents might have to interact with their children!?! Say it aint so. The fact is that school has become government funded daycare. Your socialist mentality that other citizens should pay for little Johnny to be driven to Eagle to get debate experience is what propagates this mindset of these kids being owed anything other than an education.

When the economy is good we can provide more programs. When the economy is bad we cannot. It's not that hard to understand unless you think that, from each according to his ability, to each according to his need, is a way of life.

So save your threats and keep trying to get opinions that don't agree with your silenced. Maybe you can start your own little socialist group at the school and get that funded off the backs of the taxpayers too.

"Vote no on the school levy. No more taxes. You are trying to compare police and 911 to extras at the school? Kids only keep their GPA's up so that they can play sports? Sure seems as though the school district has failed to motivate the entitled brats to go to school to get an education. Everyone is taking cuts you little twits. You have no idea what you are talking about. You have no experience with trying to hold down a job or two and pay the mortgage and eat and then have some self absorbed little sports brat tell you that you just need to give more. Eat at Mcdonalds less? How about send the debate team on a road trip less? The books are in bad shape? Then they should have tanked all the extra entitlement programs long ago. You want to blame somebody blame the school district for being constantly behind in the cuts that they make."

That was the rudest, most disturbing thing I have ever seen an adult say to students fighting for a cause that is so big.

you are missing the bigger picture, but since you bring it up:

YOU. HAVE. NEVER. PAID. TO. SEND. DEBATERS. TO. A. TOURNAMENT. YOU. HAVE. NEVER. PAID. TO. SEND. DANCERS. TO. THEIR. COMPETITIONS.

The problem is that a lot of sports are in debt, and so because they'll have to be cut, in the interest of being fair, they will cut everything.

I am a very informed, very involved student. Do not insult my intelligence because you feel threatened. I seriously doubt you couldn't afford a 1% increase in your taxes.

But this levy is barely about the extra curriculars.

Its about jobs being TAKEN in an economy. and not just district employees. The trickle down effect will cost several of our citizens their jobs. I understand everyone is taking cuts. Teachers will be seeing cuts regardless of how the twenty-seventh unfolds. Take a MINISCULE cut, and save basic education. Ignore the ECA part, its not even that important.

And while it is dumb that some students would be total failures without sports, you need to realize something important about being involved: it gets children to realize grades are important.

Let me share something with you. I got suspended in the eighth grade. I did stupid things still after that, out of sheer boredom because as an eighth grader, I was not good at sports. I didn't care about my grades.

My freshman year, I struggled to keep my grades but I had a realization:

my grades are important.

As a senior next year, I am a 3.7 student, captain of the policy debate team, next year's president of spirit club, newspaper editor, a commitee member of natural helpers, a link leader, a member of encore company, and asb secretary.

Will I keep my grades up even if all of my ECA's are gone? yes, because now I realize grades are important.

But what happens to students like me if we don't have the ECA's?

See my blog to find out all those wonderful impacts and statistics about what happens with high dropout rates.

This isn't about me. I don't feel entitled to sports/activities. Most of us don't. You'd be surprised if you talk to most students at how much we understand that this affects more people.

Know what we don't understand? Why the community who has cheered us on at games, smiled in pride at our graduations, smiled at an article about our scholarships, and bragged about this wonderful town are all of a sudden so willing to punish us and our mentors to avoid a

CentricSkeptic:

This isn't just about athletic and academic competitions. This is about our actual education. Educators are facing a 4% pay decrease even if the levy PASSES, which they will gladly take over the alternative. If the levy fails, teacher salaries could be cut up to 18%. This will cause a lot of our experienced teachers throughout the DISTRICT not just the high school to take their retirement because they will make more money if they retire than work next year. Or some teachers will look for job opportunities out of state. Both of these scenerios leave more vacant positions next year than usual, causing the district to hire brand new teachers out of college. We will lose our experienced teachers that help us succeede. This is a huge blow to our education.

Not only our education, but our local economy. If you cut a teacher's salary up to 18%, and also cut 8 receptionist positions, that is a lot of money lost in our community. Teachers planning on buying a new home, new car, buying groceries at a local grocery store, buying books at the locally owned book store, or eating out at a locally owned restraunt won't be able to go spend their money because they will not have any. It's a trickle down effect. MHSD is the 2nd largest employer in town.

This is NOT just about athletic and academic competitions.

At the begining of this school year at one of the assemblies, Mr. Johnson spoke to us about the importance of becoming involved. He had called off a list of extracurricular activities and said if you are apart of any of these activities, please stand. Almost every single student was standing by the time he got to the end of the list. My point is that by failing the bond you will be affecting the education of almost every single student that goes through the high school. Also, what kind of message would it send to students to preach to them about getting involved and how important it is and then having the community shut them down? It sends the message to 1,000 young people that you do not care about their education, so why should we care about our own community or even about our own success?

People need to brush up on their actual knowledge of the school district before they show the audacity to speak up and claim that their tax dollars are merely supporting football and debate programs. Honestly, most of these programs you think you're supporting with your tax dollars are self sustaining, meaning we fundraise just about everything. Our school district is in a state of financial emergency, meaning text books are in short supply, the schools are practically falling apart, and if this levy doesn't pass, it will severely hurt our towns economy as most secretaries if not all working for the schools will lose their jobs, teachers and administration will see huge pay cuts, not to mention our gu8dance councilors will see a 18% cut in an already minimum wage paycheck.

And maybe you don't care if some of us kids play sports, or get involved in activities, but let me tell you, some of those kids only keep their GPAs up because of those extracurricular. It's also a big reason there aren't a lot more kids smoking pot and getting pregnant.

Now if you're still concerned about tax dollars, check this out: it's less than a one percent increase in property tax. The average property value for home owners in Mountain Home is about $200,000. You're looking at a $20 dollar a month increase, and estimated $236 increase annually in taxes. Give me a break, people, don't most satellite providers charge more than that a month?

My plea is reasonable: Walk somewhere instead of driving a few times a month, if possible. Eat less McDonalds. Skip that unnecessary trip to Boise. Because really, this isn't going to impact you that much if you can just live with twenty fewer dollars a month.

Please, recognize that we do care about our school. We want it to be a nice place. We want our teachers to be happy, believe it or not. Some of us are even looking at the bigger picture of the town's economy. Not passing this would be a great way to wreck this town's economy. If this doesn't pass, I and many others won't be able to go to college, as my only opportunity is through scholarships, since my family is tight on cash (but, please note, will have no issue paying an extra $17 a month for my school to stay afloat). Be considerate of your community, of your fellow adults, and of the adults of tomorrow when you vote.

This is not just about football. It's about the education of an entire generation. We want the best education possible.

Vote no on the school levy. No more taxes. We make due with the income that we have and they need to do the same.

The schools have become just like every other government run program filled with entitlements and welfare. No I don't want to pay for your kid to play football. No I don't want to pay for your kid to travel to Kuna and debate. I don't even want to pay to get your kid to school. Get your lazy butt up and take them yourselves. You chose to have kids, so imagine that, they just happen to be your responsibility. If the school district goes bankrupt and there aren't ANY schools here anymore then it is YOUR responsibility to educate them. Not suck off the rest of the community by voting for a school welfare levy.

I do want to pay to educate your kid. That's it. Teachers, book, chairs, and a trailer for a classroom.

Can you put happy dog on the front page... hes way to much fun to look at to leave hidden inside the site. Thanks.

I have to say that "happy dog" on the pet ban article has gotten me through my day today and for that matter, my week. Thank you Happy Dog and you have a nice weekend and many sprinkles to the trees and bushes you come across.

I would think that money could be spent on the pool seeing as how they could have been spending money on the pool for the last ten years.

scoutin,

I'm sure that there are a lot of great ideas on what to do with the money. It has to be used for recreation whatever is decided and I'm not sure that other peoples tax money should go to support my kids and the school district.

I agree that dissolving the WRECD is the only way to go. Just need to get it on the ballot so we can say goodbye to the hoarding and waste that is the WRECD and the dreamers. Either that or get some people in there that that have some real world experience and understand it's not about dreams its about what is fiscally healthy for the community. People will get tired of paying taxes for this thing and it will get dissolved. Or the building will get built and a board of directors that actually thinks instead of dreams will not want the tax dollars to go towards the rec center. This facility needs to be able to support itself. The pool Nazis and dreamers need to be willing to pay $1000 dollars a year or whatever it takes to support it. This isn't fire or police, its a rec center.

There is fiding that came out. Very very interesting. You can get a copy at the Chamber of Commerce.

Atomic Dog, there are some good ideas what to do with the WECRD money in the School Levy article. This is a great time to dissolve the WECRD and put that money to a good use, into the School District, since they say they are in dire need of more money from us. Just check the blogs in that article.

There is a fire out at the saw mill with some road closures. Please be careful and aware. We have a reporter out there now trying to get more information.

The problem is not with the F-35 noise or any other jet noise but with the residents perspective of that noise. They have forgotten that it is the sound of freedom! When you hear that sound and think of the freedom it brings--you will look up and say, ahh-the sweet sound of freedom!